Abstract: This invention relates to nitrilase mutants having improved nitrilase activity for converting 3-hydroxynitriles to 3-hydroxycarboxylic acids. More specifically, the Acidovorax facilis 72W (ATCC 55746) nitrilase gene was mutated using error-prone PCR and site-directed mutagenesis to create nitrilase enzymes having improved nitrilase activity for converting 3-hydroxynitriles (e.g., 3-hydroxybutyronitrile or 3-hydroxyvaleronitrile) to the corresponding 3-hydroxycarboxylic acids. A process using these improved mutants to produce the 3-hydroxycarboxylic acids is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and structure for locally powering a semiconductor chip within a package. The structure and method incorporate a local voltage regulator mounted adjacent a semiconductor chip on a top surface of a carrier. The voltage regulator is electrically connected to a power plane disposed within the carrier. The voltage regulator continuously senses the reflected voltage of the power plane at a regulated output port and actively cancels time domain noise within its operational bandwidth. Mounting the voltage regulator on top of the carrier adjacent to the chip minimizes loop inductance between the regulator and power plane and also minimizes delay caused by impedance of the power plane on the current flowing to the chip.

Abstract: Gear carriers for sportsmen such as hunters, shooters and fly fishermen are provided in single shoulder mounted, cross-chest configuration with gear pockets, receptacles and other carrying elements oriented thereon, rendering each carrier ambidextrous and providing even load distribution for each of the carriers specific to a particular sporting function. Each carrier embodiment is ergonomically configured to facilitate use and gear access by the user participating in a particular sport for which the carrier is particularly suited.

Abstract: A hunting pack or vest comprises an internal, angled frame for supporting a seated hunter wearing the vest. A cover proves free-floating pockets for the frame and a cargo pocket is disposed on the back of the cover over a rearwardly extending frame component. A seat is hinged at a juncture of the frame for stowed disposition under the cargo pocket and for deployed disposition extending forwardly of the frame. Angled pockets on the sides of the cargo pockets are accessible by a hunter wearing the pack whether standing or sitting. An orange panel is concealable, yet deployable over the cargo pocket. Two side vest panels are mounted forwardly of the cover and contain a plurality of ergonomically positioned pockets for easy accesses. Shoulder, waist and panel straps provide adjustment for varied sized and shaped hunters wearing a variety of clothing.

Abstract: A multilayer ceramic semiconductor chip carrier is provided by a method of interconnecting ground, signal and power lines in a semiconductor chip carrier. The method involves forming a plurality of insulating layers with conductor lines comprising power and ground lines connected in parallel in a single plane formed in planes between the insulating layers. The parallel lines are directed in orthogonal directions in parallel between any two of the insulating layers with alternation successively between planes of X-directed lines and planes of Y-directed coplanar signal, power and ground lines. There are via connections formed between planes connecting a power line in one plane to another power line in another plane. Other via connections between planes connect a ground line in a first plane to another ground line in a second plane, and signal lines are formed in parallel between a ground line and a power line in a given plane.

Abstract: An improved backpack includes two capacious storage pockets secured to a flexible envelope for retaining a frame. A seat pad is adjustable between three positions for carrying, to provide seated cushioning and to provide recline support. Side pockets on the pack open upwardly and forwardly with respect to a user for carry, seated and recline positions of the backpack, in whichever orientation it is placed. A plurality of support straps carry partial weight of stored items to the top area and shoulder straps of the pack. A roll down, hunter orange panel is selectively concealed or unfurled for safety.

Abstract: A multilayer ceramic semiconductor chip carrier is provided by a method of interconnecting ground, signal and power lines in a semiconductor chip carrier. The method involves forming a plurality of insulating layers with conductor lines comprising power and ground lines connected in parallel in a single plane formed in planes between the insulating layers. The parallel lines are directed in orthogonal directions in parallel between any two of the insulating layers with alternation successively between planes of X-directed lines and planes of Y-directed coplanar signal, power and ground lines. There are via connections formed between planes connecting a power line in one plane to another power line in another plane. Other via connections between planes connect a ground line in a first plane to another ground line in a second plane, and signal lines are formed in parallel between a ground line and a power line in a given plane.

Abstract: A hunting pack or vest comprises an internal, angled frame for supporting a seated hunter wearing the vest. A cover proves free-floating pockets for the frame and a cargo pocket is disposed on the back of the cover over a rearwardly extending frame component. A seat is hinged at a juncture of the frame for stowed disposition under the cargo pocket and for deployed disposition extending forwardly of the frame. Angled pockets on the sides of the cargo pockets are accessible by a hunter wearing the pack whether standing or sitting. An orange panel is concealable, yet deployable over the cargo pocket. Two side vest panels are mounted forwardly of the cover and contain a plurality of ergonomically positioned pockets for easy accesses. Shoulder, waist and panel straps provide adjustment for varied sized and shaped hunters wearing a variety of clothing.

Abstract: A portable hunting blind for retrofitting to hunter's tree stands features arch-shaped concealment panels comprising a reconfigurable camouflage material attached via flexible rods to a lightweight support base. At the points of attachment to the support base, elbows permit the concealment panels to be variably inclined so that the enclosure size and the width of any openings can be varied. Options include a pouch to store hunting gear, an arrow quiver to store hunting arrows, a sheet of camouflage material to seal an opening between adjacent panels, and a ground stake to convert the invention to a ground blind.

Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation system for an internal combustion engine including a valve body having an exhaust port adapted for fluid communication with a source of exhaust gas, an intake port adapted for fluid communication with the intake manifold of an internal combustion engine, and a valve member movably supported within the body between open and closed positions thereby controlling the flow of exhaust gas from the exhaust port to the intake port. A diaphragm housing is operatively mounted to the valve body and supported thereby. The diaphragm housing defines a vacuum cavity in fluid communication with a source of negative pressure and an atmosphere cavity in fluid communication with a source of second pressure. A diaphragm member is disposed between the vacuum and atmosphere cavities and is operatively connected to the valve member.

Abstract: An improved backpack includes two capacious storage pockets secured to a flexible envelope for retaining a frame. A seat pad is adjustable between three positions for carrying, to provide seated cushioning and to provide recline support. Side pockets on the pack open upwardly and forwardly with respect to a user for carry, seated and recline positions of the backpack, in whichever orientation it is placed. A plurality of support straps carry partial weight of stored items to the top area and shoulder straps of the pack. A roll down, hunter orange panel is selectively concealed or unfurled for safety.

Abstract: A portable hunting blind for retrofitting to hunter's tree stands features arch-shaped concealment panels comprising a reconfigurable camouflage material attached via flexible rods to a lightweight support base. At the points of attachment to the support base, elbows permit the concealment panels to be variably inclined so that the enclosure size and the width of any openings can be varied. Options include a pouch to store hunting gear, an arrow quiver to store hunting arrows, a sheet of camouflage material to seal an opening between adjacent panels, and a ground stake to convert the invention to a ground blind.

Abstract: A high performance TF-ceramic module for mounting integrated circuit chips thereto and a method of fabricating the module at reduced cost. The substrate includes thin film (TF) layers formed directly on a layered ceramic base. A first thick film wiring layer is formed on or embedded in a top surface of the thick film layered ceramic base using thick film techniques. A first dielectric layer of a polyimide or other organic material, or an insulating material different than the ceramic material is formed on top of the first wiring layer. The dielectric layer may be spun on or sprayed on and baked; vapor deposited; laminated to the ceramic base; or an inorganic layer may be deposited using plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD). Vias are formed through the first dielectric layer. A second wiring layer is formed on the first dielectric layer. A second dielectric layer is formed on the second wiring layer.

Abstract: A portable hunting blind for retrofitting to hunter's tree stands features arch-shaped concealment panels comprising a reconfigurable camouflage material attached via flexible rods to a lightweight support base. At the points of attachment to the support base, elbows permit the concealment panels to be variably inclined so that the enclosure size and the width of any openings can be varied. Options include a pouch to store hunting gear, an arrow quiver to store hunting arrows, a sheet of camouflage material to seal an opening between adjacent panels, and a ground stake to convert the invention to a ground blind.

Abstract: This invention relates to isolated nucleic acid fragments encoding all or a substantial portion of soybean (Glycine max) glutathione-S-transferase (GST) enzymes involved in the detoxification of xenobiotic compounds in plants and seeds; this invention further relates to isolated GST enzymes. The invention also relates to the construction of chimeric genes encoding all or a substantial portion of soybean GST enzymes, host cells transformed with those genes and methods for the recombinant production of soybean GST enzymes. Methods of constructing transgenic plants having altered levels of GST enzymes and screens for identifying soybean GST enzyme substrates and soybean GST enzyme inhibitors are also provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to isolated nucleic acid fragments encoding all or a substantial portion of soybean glutathione-S-transferase (GST) enzymes involved in the detoxification of xenobiotic compounds in plants and seeds. The invention also relates to the construction of chimeric genes encoding all or a substantial portion of soybean GST enzymes, host cells transformed with those genes and methods for the recombinant production of soybean GST enzymes. Methods of constructing transgenic plants having altered levels of GST enzymes and screens for identifying soybean GST enzyme substrates and soybean GST enzyme inhibitors are also provided.

Abstract: There is provided an improved access and evacuation apparatus for an offshore platform, in which the apparatus comprises an articulated arm for rotatably mounting on an offshore platform. The arm comprises an inner part which has first and second ends and an outer part also having first and second ends. The first end of the inner part is adapted for rotatably mounting on the platform and the second end of the inner part is rotatably connected to the first end of the outer part. The arm is selectively moveable between an upper position in which the second end of the outer part is adjacent the platform, and a lower position in which the second end of the outer part is below the surface of the water and remote from the platform. There is also provided a winch and a cable operatively connecting the winch to the arm.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multilayer ceramic substrate, and a method for forming same, which has an outer unsealed layer having a metallic via, an inner sealed layer having a composite via of metallic and ceramic materials and a further unsealed layer having a metallic via.

Abstract: This invention relates to isolated nucleic acid fragments encoding all or a substantial portion of maize glutathione-S-transferase (GST) enzymes involved in the detoxification of xenobiotic compounds in plants and seeds. The invention also relates to the construction of chimeric genes encoding all or a substantial portion of maize GST enzymes, host cells transformed with those genes and methods of the recombinant production of maize GST enzymes. Methods of constructing transgenic plants having altered levels of GST enzymes and screens for identifying maize GST enzyme substrates and maize GST enzyme inhibitor, are also provided.