Abstract: The invention relates to newly identified gene sequences that encode novel proteases obtainable from Aspergillus niger. The invention features the full length gene sequence of the novel genes, their cDNA sequences as well as the full-length functional protein and fragments thereof. The invention also relates to methods of using these enzymes in industrial processes and methods of diagnosing fungal infections. Also included in the invention are cells transformed with DNA according to the invention and cells wherein a protease according to the invention is genetically modified to enhance or reduce its activity and/or level of expression.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for identifying an enzyme of interest comprising screening a set of candidate enzymes on an application matrix, preferably on at least a medium throughput level, and selecting enzymes for their ability to produce a functionality change in the application matrix. In the application matrix screening method of the invention it is not necessary to define the enzyme activity to be screened prior to applying the screening method.

Abstract: A drilling system and method for drilling a borehole into an earth formation is provided. The drilling system has a drill string having a lower section provided with a sleeve which is radially expandable from a retracted mode in which the sleeve extends around the lower drill string section and is releasably connected thereto, to an expanded mode in which the sleeve is released from the lower drill string section and is expanded against the borehole wall. The drilling system further has a control means for selectively releasing the sleeve from the lower drill string section and expanding the sleeve against the borehole wall.

Abstract: A drilling system and method for drilling a borehole into an earth formation is provided. The drilling system comprises a drill string (1) having a lower section provided with a sleeve (7) which is radially expandable from a retracted mode in which the sleeve extends around said lower drill string section and is releasably connected thereto, to an expanded mode in which the sleeve is released from the lower drill string section and is expanded against the borehole wall. The drilling system further comprises control means (10) for selectively releasing the sleeve (7) from the lower drill string section and expanding the sleeve against the borehole wall.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a powder from a packaged tablet, the package comprising plastic materials, whereby the process is characterised in that it comprises a first step of submitting the packaged tablet to mechanical degradation with first mechanical degradation means, a second step of sifting with first sifting means to obtain an intermediate material, a third step of submitting the intermediate material to mechanical degradation with second mechanical degradation means, and a fourth step of sifting with second sifting means to obtain the powder, whereby the powder obtained comprises less than 0.05% per weight of plastic material.

Abstract: A tablet comprising a combination of a means for providing effervescency upon contact with water, as well as a soluble salt selected from the group consisting of acetate, urea, and mixtures thereof is disclosed. The means for providing effervescence upon contact with water preferably comprises citric acid and a carbonate salt, such as a bicarbonate salt. Also disclosed is a process for making tablets according to the present invention.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a process for retarding the discoloration of dicarboxylic acids, said process comprising:

Abstract: The present invention relates to tablets comprising a core and a coating, the core being formed by compressing a particulate material, the particulate material comprising surfactant and detergent builder, and the coating comprising a material, or mixture of materials, such as a fatty alcohol, which is substantially insoluble in water at 25° C. The tablets are provided with means, such as effervescent agents, which aid in their disintegration in wash liquors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to tablets comprising a core and a coating, the core being formed by compressing a particulate material, the particulate material comprising surfactant and detergent builder, and the tablet further comprising a disintegrant, at least some of the disintegrant being in the coating. The invention also relates to processes for making the tablets.

Abstract: Tablets comprise a core and a coating, the core being formed by compressing a particulate material, the particulate material comprising surfactant and detergent builder, and the coating comprising dicarboxylic acid. The tablets are provided with effervescent agents, in the core or water-swellable desintegrant in the coating which aid in their disintegration in wash liquors. The invention also relates to processes for making the tablets.

Abstract: Detergent components or compositions having a bulk density of at least 700 g/l comprise a nonionic surfactant system including at least one nonionic surfactant which is a liquid at temperatures below 40.degree. C., and from about 0.5% to 15% by weight of the component or compositions of a flow aid which is a premixed powder comprising sodium aluminosilicate and hydrophobic silica in a weight ratio of from 100:1 to 5:1. The detergent components or compositions are made by free dispersion mixing or granulation.