Abstract: The invention concerns a method for identifying sub-dominant/cryptic epitopes exhibited by a class I HLA molecule, said method comprising at least the following steps: a) selecting, from the sequence of a protein with respect to which it is desired to induce a cytotoxic T lymphocyte response, at least a peptide sequence of 8 to 11 amino acids capable of constituting an epitope of said protein exhibited by a class I HLA molecule, and corresponding to a peptide with low affinity for said class I HLA molecule and non-immunogenic; b) preparing, for each selected sequence, a variant peptide derived from said sequence, by substituting the N-terminal amino acid with a tyrosine residue; c) determining the immunogenicity of each variant peptide obtained at step b) by selecting, among the latter, each immunogenic peptide, generating a CTL response specific to the target cells expressing the protein wherefrom it is derived and identifying the peptide sequence wherefrom said immunogenic peptide is derived.

Abstract: A device for carrying out the parallel incubation of solutions comprises a holding frame (1) inside of which one or more titer plates (2) can be placed. Each titer plate (2) is separately closed by a cover plate (4), which can be pressed thereon, resulting in the prevention of unwanted evaporation effects and transport phenomena. Seals (5) are placed between the cover plate (4) and the holding frame (1). Continuous recesses in the holding frame (1) are located underneath the titer plates (2) and are occluded by a common one-piece bottom plate (7) having punch-like protrusions (6). Devices for regulating temperature can be arranged both inside the cover plate (4), the holding frame (1) as well as inside the one-piece bottom plate (7). The holding frame (1) comprises channel-like recesses for accommodating liquid solvent.

Abstract: A positioning device for a plurality of microreactors which are arranged in the form of a flat, rectangular microreactor plate (4) has a support frame (1) with a cutout (2). A spring element (3) fixes the microreactor plate (4) so that it presses laterally against the support frame (1). The support frame (1) together with the microreactor plate (4) can be positioned on a baseplate in such a manner that there is no risk of incorrect positioning, which baseplate may include integrated devices required for the reaction sequences and analyses.

Abstract: Driver's cab suspension, particularly for a conventional cab vehicle, comprising a vehicle frame which supports a driver's cab by at least three springs. At least two springs are arranged in a front area of the driver's cab and the at least one other spring is arranged in a rear end area of the driver's cab. A stabilizer arranged transverse to the vehicle frame opposes the roll movement of the driver's cab. The stabilizer extends in the rear end area of the driver's cab.

Abstract: Microwells, which are open on both sides and are arranged two-dimensionally in a microwell matrix (4), are hermetically closed by pressure on both sides using plugs (6) covered with a sealing sheet (11). A layer of elastic material (9), which is arranged between the plug (6) and the sealing sheet (11), guarantees uniform pressure on all the microwells of a microwell matrix (4) which is loosely held by a frame structure (1). Continuous peripheral elevations (2), which protrude in both directions at right angles to the plane of the microwell matrix (4), ensure that the deformable thin layer of elastic material (9) does not escape sideways between the plug (6) and the microwell matrix (4) during the pressing process. A plurality of microwell matrices (4) are held simultaneously by the frame structure (1) and are hermetically closed by a corresponding number of allocated plugs (6), which are fastened to a base plate (7) and a cover plate (8), respectively.

Abstract: Pneumatic spring with at least one control valve inside the pneumatic spring with control positions for feeding, blocking, and discharging compressed air, which valve is actuated by a control element also installed inside the pneumatic valve. The control element acts on one of the two pneumatic spring assemblies which can move relative to each other, namely, either on the outer tube or on the roll tube, where the control element has a working length which is shorter than the stroke length of the pneumatic spring and is pretensioned by a first spring against one of the pneumatic spring assemblies which can move relative to each other. The control element is supported in a floating manner relative to the pneumatic spring assemblies, and a second spring, the force of which is directed against the first spring, co-determines the position of the control element.

Abstract: When chemical substances are pipetted in individual microwells of a microwell array (4), problematic evaporation effects arise concerning the solvent with which the microwells are already filled. In order to prevent such undesired evaporation effects, a pipetting device for the automated pipetting of chemical substances having a holder (3), which receives at least one microwell array (4), and a pipetting head (11), which is fitted in such a way that it can be moved, is designed with the pipetting head (11) being fastened, by means of a holding device, to a plate (7) which follows the movements of the pipetting head (11) during the pipetting process. The plate (7) forms above the microwell array (4), in conjunction with a frame (5) tightly enclosing the microwell array (4), a sealed gas space (14) into which the pipetting head (11) protrudes through a matched hole (13) in the plate (7).

Abstract: Driver's cab suspension, particularly for a conventional cab vehicle, comprising a vehicle frame which supports a driver's cab by at least three springs. At least two springs are arranged in a front area of the driver's cab and the at least one other spring is arranged in a rear end area of the driver's cab. A stabilizer arranged transverse to the vehicle frame opposes the roll movement of the driver's cab. The stabilizer extends in the rear end area of the driver's cab.