Abstract: Recombinant microbial strains are provided that express nitrilase enzyme and are useful as biocatalysts for the hydrolysis of nitrile-containing substrates. The recombinant cells are transformed with a foreign gene isolated from Acidovorax facilis 72W encoding a thermostable nitrilase enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of nitrile-containing substrates to carboxylic acids under mild reaction conditions. The nucleotide sequence of the nitrilase gene and the deduced amino acid sequence encoded by the nitrilase gene are provided.

Abstract: A dual camera system uses a single lens and no moving parts in the optical path. A single lens directs a desired scene to a partially reflective beamsplitting mirror, thence to a pair of image sensors. For day/night operation, one sensor may be optimized for nighttime sensitivity, while the other is optimized for daytime operation. Alternatively, one optical path may have greater magnification, thus allowing electronic zooming with no resolution loss. The system may be enhanced with an image intensifier for nighttime operation; digital sensors for improved resolution, or orthogonal gyroscopic accelerometers for image stabilization. Additionally, the monochrome and color images may be produced simultaneously and ‘fused’ algorithmically, yielding an improvement in sensitivity and color resolution compared with a conventional color camera.

Abstract: A vehicle testing apparatus for subjecting a vehicle to a compound force includes a support disposed in a plane for supporting the vehicle, and a mechanism coupled to the support for moving the support along at least one of three perpendicular axes. The mechanism subjects the vehicle to the compound force resulting from simultaneous movements along any combination of the axes. The mechanism includes a first platform constrained for rectilinear movement along a first axis, and a second platform constrained for rectilinear movement along a second axis, with the support preferably also being movable along a third axis. The support preferably also includes actively or passively controlled contact surfaces in all three axes with an optional trip mechanism. In addition, a first actuating device is preferably coupled to the first platform and a second actuating device is preferably coupled to the second platform.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for producing nanocapsules and microcapsules comprising a polyelectrolyte shell by surface precipitation from the solution, by applying a shell to template particles comprising the steps (a) providing a dispersion of template particles of suitable size in a salt-containing liquid phase which contains the components required to form the shell in a dissolved form and (b) precipitating the components from the liquid phase onto the template particles under conditions which enable the formation of a shell around the template particles that has a thickness of from 1 to 100 nm.

Abstract: A method of bonding a stainless steel part to a titanium part by heating a component assembly comprised of the titanium part, the stainless steel part, and a laminated titanium-nickel filler material placed between the two parts and heated at a temperature that is less than the melting point of either the stainless steel part or the titanium part. The component assembly is held in intimate contact at temperature in a non-reactive atmosphere for a sufficient time to develop a hermetic and strong bond between the stainless steel part and the titanium part. The bonded component assembly is optionally treated with acid to remove any residual free nickel and nickel salts, to assure a biocompatible component assembly, if implanted in living tissue.

Abstract: A fastening-type security seal comprises a sealing body for sealably receiving the free end of an elongated fastening portion and an identification tag, all integrated, one with the other. The identification tag is formed with a weakening line extending from a first side edge to a second side edge of the tag, dividing it into a first region on one side and a second region on the other side of the line. The identification tag is positioned between the sealing body and the fastening part so that, in use, the tag effectively forms part of fastening portion. A pulling tab is situated on the identification tag adjacent one of the ends of the weakening line, which enables one to tear the tag, thus separating the first region from the second region.

Abstract: Thermoplastic resin compositions are described in which amine salts of anthraquinone dyes and monoazo complex dyes are added. These compositions show superior performance in laser welding applications.

Abstract: A method of replicating a real-world vehicle rollover of a vehicle having wheels utilizing a vehicle testing apparatus having a support. The method includes positioning the vehicle on the support. Static properties of the vehicle are then determined. An initial set of forces and moments to be applied to the support are determined based upon at least the static properties. The support is actuated based upon the initial set of forces and moments to replicate the vehicle rollover. An actual response of the vehicle to the initial actuating of the vehicle testing apparatus is measured to determine dynamic properties of the vehicle. So long as all of the wheels remained on the support during the actuating of the vehicle testing apparatus, sets of forces and moments are continuously determined. The vehicle testing apparatus can be repeatedly actuated based upon the sets of forces and moments to further replicate the vehicle rollover.

Abstract: Provided is a method for accelerating the biodegradation of aliphatic-aromatic co-polyesters comprising greater than 60 mol percent aromatic acid, based on total diacid in the co-polyester. The method involves contacting at least one hydrolytic enzyme in aqueous solution to the co-polyester.

Abstract: The invention relates to variants of recombinant human beta interferon and to a method for the production thereof, wherein at least one of the following amino acids Leu (5), Phe(8), Phe(15), Leu(47), Phe(50), Leu(106), Phe(111), Leu(116), Leu(120) and Phe(156) are exchanged with hydrophilic amino acid with a hydroxy group, specially serine, tyrosine or threonine, resulting in enhanced hydrophilic property of the protein surface.

Abstract: An analogue output signal of a sensor which comprises a carrier signal with a carrier frequency ?C which is modulated by a measurement size is sampled with a sampling frequency ?A to receive a sampled sensor output signal. The frequency ?A of the sampling signal is set so that it is an integer divisor n of the carrier frequency ?C, wherein the phase of the sampling signal is set so that the sampling signal is synchronous to the sensor output signal. The sampled sensor output signal is filtered now to remove periodically repeated signal components from the sampled sensor output signal. Then a filtered useful signal is received, wherein its amplitude is proportional to the measurand detected by the sensor.

Abstract: A process for patterning thick film electrically functional patterns using a photosensitive polymer layer. A tacky photosensitive layer is applied onto a substrate surface. The photosensitive layer is imaged with a pattern using actinic radiation, the exposed areas of the photosensitive layer become hardened and non-tacky. A subsequent application of a thick film composition sheet will cause the thick film to adhere to the remaining tacky areas. Upon peeling the sheet, a thick film print pattern will be produced. This step is followed by a processing profile prescribed by the thick film composition used which results in a pattern having electrically functional properties. The invention also extends to a process wherein a thick film composition is recovered from a used sheet.

Abstract: There is disclosed an insert suitable for placement within a seat of an automotive vehicle. The insert preferably includes multiple layers, one of which includes a heater for providing an occupant of the seat with warmth. The insert also preferably includes a blower or air pump for providing ventilation and/or cooling to the seat occupant.

Abstract: A fault indicator for indicating the occurrence of a fault in an electrical conductor has a housing, a high capacity battery, a plurality of emitting diodes (LEDs) visible from the exterior of the fault indicator upon the occurrence of a fault, and electronic circuitry for sensing a fault, for actuating the LEDs to indicate a fault and to provide a timed reset of the LEDs to a non-fault indicating condition a predetermined time after the fault has occurred. The electronic circuitry, including a microprocessor that is normally in a sleep mode, conserves energy by drawing insubstantial current from a high capacity battery during non-fault conditions. Preferably, the microprocessor controls activation of the fault indicating LEDs with pulse width modulated (PWM) signals during defined time intervals for improved visibility. Visibility is further improved where the PWM signals for the indicator LEDs are interleaved in time to provide a highly distinctive flicker effect.

Abstract: A privacy screen for a display (e.g., a LCD) includes having a polarizing film and a birefringent film is described. The privacy screen transmits substantial amounts of light emanating from the display in an orthogonal (or near-orthogonal) direction while not transmitting substantial amounts of horizontal, non-orthogonal light emanating from the display. In this manner, a privacy effect results in that the display is viewable by someone only when that someone is essentially directly in front of the display.

Abstract: A radiant heater is provided, which is subdivided into three concentric areas and which can be mounted under a glass ceramic cooking area. It has a rod controller and the two innermost heating areas are jointly protected against excess temperatures by means of the rod controller. The outermost heating area has a low surface power of 2.5 W/cm2, for example, and consequently does not have to be monitored by the rod regulator with regards to the danger of an excess temperature for a glass ceramic cooking area.

Abstract: Provided are elastomeric expansion joints for coupling tubes and, particularly, elastomeric expansion joint used for absorbing axial, lateral, angular movements and vibrations to which the tubes are subjected, or when these tubes are coupled to pieces of equipment that operate under varied conditions of temperature and pressure and that result in movement of the tubing. The elastomeric expansion joint includes first and second end portions, a moveable central region, and first and second intersection portions that are respectively defined between each of the end portions and the central region. The intersection portions and the end portions define a reinforcement section. At least one wiring support member is positioned between the first and the second substrates, and the wiring support member is positioned in the reinforcement section and supports wirings. The wiring support member reinforces the elastomeric expansion joint, so that the elastomeric expansion joint can stand higher pressures.

Abstract: A single tractor unit is provided for pulling a trailer, in which the tractor itself drives a plurality of hydraulic motors which control a crane unit, a coiled tubing injection unit, and the pumps and motors associated with a liquid nitrogen system which is used for injecting gaseous hydrogen into a workover well with coiled tubing. In an alternative mode, the liquid nitrogen system is replaced with nitrogen generators or tanks of compressed nitrogen gas. In another alternative embodiment, a separate engine, preferably mounted with the other equipment on a trailer, skid, or barge, replaces the single tractor engine for driving the plurality of hydraulic motors. In yet another embodiment, a single engine drives a plurality of well treating systems on an off-shore installation.

Abstract: This invention relates to an isolated nucleic acid fragment encoding an acyltransferase, more specifically a phospholipid:diacylglycerol acyltransferase. The invention also relates to the construction of a recombinant DNA construct encoding all or a portion of the phospholipid:diacylglycerol acyltransferase, in sense or antisense orientation, wherein expression of the recombinant DNA construct results in production of altered levels of the phospholipid:diacylglycerol acyltransferase in a transformed host cell.

Abstract: A shaped article comprising poly[(trimethylene-co-dianhydrosugar ester) dicarboxylate] or poly(trimethylene-co-dianhydro-dicarboxylate having improved stability in the form of less change of Tg and reduced shrinkage upon storage at elevated temperature is disclosed.