Abstract: This invention is a vending machine and components parts that include a sophisticated positioning system, gripper and trays for improved efficiency in product retrieval and delivery. A unique initialization and calibration system is implemented at start up to determine the positions of shelves and trays of product containers in the machine, and may be implemented at other times if trays or shelves are added or removed, or if tray or shelf positions change. These positions are then used by the positioning and gripping systems to accurately and efficiently retrieve products from the trays.

Abstract: This invention is a vending machine and components parts that include a sophisticated positioning system, gripper and trays for improved efficiency in product retrieval and delivery. Following product selection, the positioning system quickly transports the gripper through the X-Y plane to the front of a tray queue containing the selected product. The positioning system uses a movement assisting member that may be in the form of a torsion spring or counter weight for improved efficiency. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention is a vending machine and components parts that include a product retrieval and delivery system deployed within a uniquely designed, insulated cabinet that includes an adjustable ventilation system, and a conveniently located compact, easily removable modular climate control unit. A unique product delivery port and chute are provided as part of the cabinet. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention is a vending machine and components parts that include a sophisticated product retrieval and delivery system. Following product selection, the positioning system quickly transports a retrieval device to the front of a tray queue where a product container is retrieved. The positioning system transports the gripper carrying the product container to a delivery port. The product is released and slides down a specially designed chute into a specially designed delivery bucket that is then tilted outward for customer pick up. Sensors associated with the bucket detect the delivery and removal of the product container. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: This is an improved retrieval mechanism for vending machines that includes a sophisticated positioning system, gripper and trays for improved efficiency in product retrieval and delivery. Following product selection, the positioning system quickly transports the gripper through the X-Y plane to the front of a tray queue containing the selected product. The gripper is extended in the Z-direction, and its fingers grasp the foremost product container in the queue. The gripper is raised in order to clear a retaining lip in the queue and then retracts, and the positioning system transports the gripper carrying the product container to a delivery port. The gripper then releases the product which slides down a chute into a delivery port for customer pick up. Unique product storage trays are provided which work in conjunction with the gripper to allow only the foremost product to be removed from a tray queue. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting infrared radiation is provided which comprises a temperature-sensing helical coiled-coil protein such as TIpA, CC1, collagen or myosin, incorporated into an electrically conductive film or gel deposited onto an electrically conductive medium, means for recording changes in conductivity or resistance of the conductive film or gel caused by the presence of infrared radiation and its effect on the thermal-sensing protein, and means to analyze the changes in conductivity or resistance in the conductive film caused thereby so as to determine if infrared radiation is present. By virtue of the present invention, a “biomimetic” infrared sensor is provided which can integrate a recombinantly produced thermally sensitive protein in a conductive polymer matrix, such as a film or gel, and provide a low-cost, lightweight, conformable, and disposable infrared detecting device having high sensitivity and excellent dynamic range.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, systems for low cost coaxial liquid cooling may be provided. In some embodiments, a system may comprise an axis. The system may further comprise a heat exchanger coupled to a pump, wherein the heat exchanger and the pump are oriented with respect to the axis.

Abstract: A Chalaropsis lysozyme (Lysozyme Ch) is provided which has a corrected amino acid sequence and which can be utilized to prepare recombinant proteins having higher activity than those proteins prepared using the incorrect sequence. Methods are also provided to reduce immunogenicity or increase half-life of the lysozyme. The lysozyme Ch of the present invention will be extremely useful in killing bacteria, particularly resistance strains such as MRSA and VISA, and the enzyme can be utilized in a variety of settings wherein bacterial infection has been a particular problem such as the hospital setting or in veterinary applications, and can also be used as an effective means of combating bioterror agents.

Abstract: A storage system having at least one storage unit, the storage unit including a frame that defines a storage unit interior space, at least one media blade capable of removably supporting a plurality of storage elements wherein the media blade is adapted to provide a communicating path between the storage elements and the storage unit. The media blade is capable of moving between a retracted position wherein substantially all of the storage elements are within the interior space and an extended position wherein substantially all of the storage elements are external to the interior space. Power and communication are provided to the media blade when the media blade is at or between the retracted and extended positions the power and communication is uninterrupted.

Abstract: A storage unit including a frame that defines a storage unit interior space, at least one storage media support structure capable of removably supporting a plurality of storage elements wherein the storage media support structure is adapted to provide a communicating path between the storage elements and the storage unit. The storage media support structure is capable of moving between a retracted position wherein substantially all of the storage elements are within the interior space and an extended position wherein substantially all of the storage elements are external to the interior space. Power and communication are provided to the storage media support structure when the storage media support structure is at or between the retracted and extended positions the power and communication is uninterrupted.

Abstract: A method is provided for expressing recombinant proteins and polypeptides such as human serum albumin (HSA), human growth hormone (HGH), or insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-1) in large quantities using a methylotropic or ethylotropic microorganism such as a yeast, bacteria or fungi using a dilute methanol or ethanol feeding strategy which provides for a lower flash point and can minimize the likelihood of dangerous explosion. The present invention is thus advantageous because it allows recombinant proteins to be produced on a large scale in non-explosion proof plants without the hazards associated with the use of 100% methanol which generally Ces not meet OSHA requirements, and can thus allow the safe and efficient production of large quantities of recombinant proteins and other biomaterials at a far reduced cost.

Abstract: A storage system is provided having at least one primary storage unit, the primary storage unit having a power source, a server mother board, an expander device connected to a second data storage unit and a plurality of retractable media drawers wherein each of the retractable media drawers comprise a plurality of data storage elements. Each of the retractable media drawers maintain connectivity to the power source, the server mother board and the expander device when each of the media drawers is between a first position that is extended partially away from the primary data storage unit and a second position that is at least partially retracted from the first position towards the primary data storage unit.

Abstract: A storage system is provided having at least one storage unit, the storage unit including an electrical power source, a communication source and a cover that defines, at least in part an interior space. The storage system operates with a media blade that comprises a plurality of data storage elements, said media blade moveable in a drawer like motion though a cooperating opening in said cover. The storage system further includes a motion accommodating conductor apparatus connecting said plurality of data storage elements to said electrical power source and said communication source such that power from said electrical power source and communication from said communication source may be provided to said media blade without interruption when said media blade is moved in said drawer like motion outward from at least partially within said interior space.

Abstract: A method is provided for evaluating drug compounds based on their binding properties to human serum albumin wherein structural information at particular albumin binding regions is entered into a computer database and assessed with regard to particular contacting binding residues located in accordance with the invention. The information obtained through the computer database is thus useful in assessing and predicting drug interactions at albumin binding sites. Further, protein fragments including one or more albumin binding sites are provided which can be used in methods of assessing and designing drugs.

Abstract: A heat sink (and method of forming a heat sink) is provided that includes a core having a central axis and a plurality of cooling fins arranged about the core. Each fin has a base and a tip. The fins may be shaped to capture a tangential component of air from the fan. At least one portion (such as upper portion) of the fins may be bent. A lower portion of each fin may also be bent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the albumin-guided development of coumarin analogs and the analogs developed thereby. The coumarin analogs of the present invention are identified and isolated by the fact that they have binding sites to albumin which are different than the binding sites of conventional coumarin analogs such as sodium warfarin, and as a result will be less prone to be displaced since the binding site of sodium warfarin is shared by numerous drugs such as aspirin. The coumarin analogs of the invention are advantageous because they can achieve the effects of the prior coumarin analogs with a minimum of metabolic complications and undesirable side effects.

Abstract: A centrifugal pump with a hydrodynamic bearing and a double involute is disclosed. Some embodiments may include an impeller housing comprising a fluid entrance to allow fluid to enter and an impeller located within the impeller housing, the impeller comprising a plurality of impeller blades, a plurality of fluid channels between the impeller blades, and a motor magnet. The impeller may rotate within the impeller housing about a pump centerline in response to an electromagnetic field and the fluid channels may each allow fluid to pass through when the impeller rotates. Embodiments may also include one or more hydrodynamic bearings positioned between the impeller and the impeller housing to support generated loads and a double involute coupled with the impeller housing and positioned to receive fluid exiting the plurality of fluid channels. Further embodiments may include a motor stator to generate the electromagnetic field. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: Generally speaking, a system with a metallic component and a thermoplastic component is disclosed. The metallic component may include a metallic outer surface and the thermoplastic component may be formed around the metallic outer surface to create a seal between the thermoplastic housing and the metallic component. In some embodiments, the thermoplastic component may include an inner surface and an outer surface where the inner surface is formed adjacent to an in contact with the metallic outer surface. Embodiments may also include a sealing ring positioned on the outer surface of the thermoplastic housing to provide a compressive spring force to the thermoplastic housing, where the force applied to the thermoplastic housing improves the seal between the thermoplastic component and the metallic component. In a further embodiment, the metallic component is a metallic cold plate and the thermoplastic component is a thermoplastic pump housing. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.