Abstract: A method for analyzing a target nucleotide sequence which exists in a first state or a different second state which makes the method particularly useful for determining point mutations. The method uses a first polynucleotide which is immobilized on a solid support and which is at least partially complementary to a first segment of the target nucleotide sequence. By means of a series of steps, a product of the first polynucleotide and a further polynucleotide that contains a detectable label can be obtained. When the state to be analyzed occurs in a rare population, amplification can be conducted so that substantially only amplification of the target nucleotide sequence in one of the states is attained. The method can be used to analyze multiple target sequences simultaneously. A kit which can be used in the method is also set forth.

Abstract: A process for amplifying nucleic acid sequences from a DNA or RNA template which may be purified, or may exist in a mixture of nucleic acids. The resulting nucleic acid sequences may be exact copies of the template, or may be modified. The process has advantages over prior art amplification processes in that it increases the fidelity of copying a specific nucleic acid sequence, and it allows one to more efficiently detect a particular point mutation in a single assay.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method, reagent and kit for the determination of the presence of target nucleotide sequences by restriction amplification. In the process to detect nucleic acid sequences a target molecule containing a specific restriction site is hybridized with a labeled probe containing a sequence homologous to at least 28 bases of the target molecule. The probe is cleaved with a restriction enzyme that releases the probe for detection if the probe hybridizes to the specific target. Thus, the cleaved probe constantly regenerates and is highly detectable if the target sequence is present in the assay.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method, reagent and kit for the determination of the presence of target nucleotide sequences by restriction amplification. In the process to detect nucleic acid sequences a target molecule containing a specific restriction site is hybridized with a labeled probe containing a sequence homologous to at least 28 bases of the target molecule. The probe is cleaved with a restriction enzyme that releases the probe for detection if the probe hybridizes to the specific target. A second oligonucleotide is present in the reaction that is homologous to the 3 prime end of the probe molecule and also conains 5 prime base or bases that will reconstitute the restriction enzyme site on the target. Thus, the cleaved probe constantly regenerates and is highly detectable if the target sequence is present in the assay.

Abstract: A primary vessel, such as a flotable float or the like, having a crustacean retrieving means attached to the forward end of the vessel, with the vessel being motor driven, the motor driving a plurality of dasic wheels to maintain the vessel above the water, and allowing it to move on the bottom of the pond. The retrieving means includes a first primary roller positioned substantially the distance of the width of the vessel and moving along the bottom of the pond for distrubing the crustaceans as the vessel moves forward. There is provided the primary conveyor wall directly to the rear of the primary roller wherein the crustaceans moving over the roller are deposited on the conveyor which transports the crustacean upward into a first receiving bin in the vessel. The primary conveyor includes a puralilty of spaced apart shelf members along its width so that the crustaceans will be lodged against the shelf member and will be deposited into the receiving bin as the conveyor belt circulates.

Abstract: A primary separation vessel is separated into a plurality of chambers having fluid communication therethrough; in each of the chambers there is further included a downwardly depending eductor system having a coaxial bore wherein fluid induces air into the eductor system where the educted air in the fluid being projected downward into the flow of fluid and the bubbles rising along the curved wall of the tank and carrying contaminants through a centrally located collection trough, which through gravity the contaminants collect in the trough and move to a circulation collected in the trough. The contaminants then move via gravity to a separation zone within the vessel, wherein the oil that is collected is allowed to spill over in an oil collection zone for recovery, and the level of the water is monitored to draw off any water collected within the zone.

Abstract: A movable vehicle supported by a plurality by a pair of front and rear wheels or tracks, upon which a structural frame is set upon, the vehicle driven by a fuel engine which would in turn power a hydraulic pump for steering, lifting and rotating and other purposes on the vehicle. The vehicle would include primary collection system along its leading edge, which would include a means such as gas and water eductor lines for educting fluid into the pond at a point ahead of the on moving vehicle, so that the crawfish which may be hiding or settled at the bottom of the pond would tend to be disturbed and float to a level within the water in the pond, and urged into the forward moving trapping device by the relative movement of pond water to the vehicle combined with the urging of pressurized water and air floor toward the forward opening of the harvesting device.

Abstract: An apparatus for picking up and laying down drill pipe casing and the like having a single endless line and support means extending axially of the apparatus toward the drilling rig to move the pivot point of the apparatus rearwardly thereof to increase its resistance against tipping under load. The apparatus also comprises a means for safely loading and unloading a trough and a support pole from the unit.

Abstract: A pipe handling apparatus for lifting and/or lowering heavy objects such as drill pipe, drill collars and the like to and from the elevated floor of a drilling rig from a lower storage position including an endless loop cable rove in a single layer in wide spaced grooves on a pivotably mounted rotatable drum and a deep, wide grooved sheave mounted substantially vertically on a load aligning floor pole with means for pivoting the rotatable drum to slacken or tension the cable to vary the elevation of the object being carried on free running trolly means and means for automatically preventing overloading of the cable.

Abstract: A variable speed drive system for driving one or, preferably, a plurality of fans at a desired, controllable speed. The fans are rotated by motors in fluid communication with variable displacement pumps. The motors rotate the fans at a speed corresponding to the fluid displacement of the pumps and an adjusting structure operably connected to the pumps regulates the fluid displacement of the pumps so that the fans are driven by the motors at a desired speed. Preferably, the adjusting structure includes a temperature sensor and a pump displacement control responsive to the temperature sensor so that the fluid displacement of the pumps is automatically regulated in response to the temperature of the substance cooled by the fans.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for clarifying liquids contaminated with suspended materials that do not readily separate by gravity, is disclosed. A flowing stream of the contaminated liquid is initially passed to a mixing zone at a predetermined flow velocity and intimately mixed with a gas stream to form a multiphase liquid-contaminant-gas stream. The flow velocity of the multiphase stream is then alternately increased and decreased with substantially simultaneous decrease and increase of pressure to ultimately disperse and dissolve the gas stream throughout the liquid and contaminant phases of the stream.