Abstract: A method of purifying a biodiesel fuel by contacting the biodiesel fuel with at least one adsorbent material, such as magnesium silicate. Such method removes impurities, such as soap, formed during the production of biodiesel fuels.

Abstract: A dispensing mechanism is provided for flat faced products. The products are supported in a storage chute between a first upright wall and a second upright wall, stacked one on top of another. The products are supported in the chute by a support surface and a first tongue. Products are dispensed by retracting the first tongue allowing a lowermost product to fall onto a second tongue. The first tongue is advanced to be under the next highermost product in the chute. The second tongue is then retracted allowing the lowermost product to fall onto the support surface and pass through a discharge opening. In a further embodiment, flat faced products are stacked vertically side-by-side on a slightly inclined floor. The products move horizontally to one side to be dispensed. A tongue and a moveable stop are mounted at that side. The spacing between the tongue and the stop is generally equal the thickness of the product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to assays (and kits) for predicting the chances of success of pregnancy using in vitro fertilisation (IVF) by determining the level of a modulator of 11&bgr;-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11&bgr;-HSD) in a biological sample taken from a human female, for example in the environment of an oocyte, e.g. follicular fluid or granulosa cells. The amount of modulator (e.g. inhibitor) can be determined by reference to its effect on 11&bgr;-HSD activity and administration of a modulator (e.g. an 11&bgr;-HSD inhibitor) may increase the likelihood of pregnancy while 11&bgr;-HSD agonists may be potential contraceptive agents.

Abstract: This invention relates to product vending and relates particularly but not exclusively to product vending apparatus and parts therefor suitable for vending high cost products such as consumables for computer printers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for predicting the outcome of IVF which comprises:(i) determining the level of 11.beta.-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11.beta.-HSD) in a biological sample from a female patient; and(ii) predicting from the level of 11.beta.-HSD determined the probability of establishing pregnancy in said subject by IVF.It has been found that there is an inverse correlation between the levels of 11.beta.-HSD in the environment of the oocyte and subsequent establishment of pregnancy by IVF. The present invention also provides methods of screening female subjects for their suitability to take part in IVF programs, and kits to use in determining levels of 11.beta.-HSD.