Abstract: Synthetic methods for lactone-containing compounds such as the discodermolides are provided, as are compounds which mimic the chemical and/or biological activity thereof, and methods and intermediates useful in their preparation.

Abstract: The combination of a substantially gas impermeable container and a dry pet food of high soluble fiber content that has a water activity within the range of 0.5 to 0.8. The result is long lasting, highly nutritious dog food that can be substantially free of added preservatives, antimycotics, and other unnatural chemicals.

Abstract: The combination of a substantially gas impermeable container and a dry pet food of high soluble fiber content that has a water activity within the range of 0.5 to 0.8. The result is long lasting, highly nutritious dog food that can be substantially free of added preservatives, antimycotics, and other unnatural chemicals.

Abstract: A simple hinge having an integral detent and stop member for a cover on an electrophotographic printing machine. The hinge is formed from a relatively lightweight material and has an aperture to secore a pin for attaching a cover. A detent is formed into on leg of the hinge so that the door cover is forced over the detent as it is opened which then holds the door in the open position. The cover is closed by pushing the edge of the door over the detent in the opposite direction.

Abstract: Synthetic methods for lactone-containing compounds such as the discodermolides are provided, as are compounds which mimic the chemical and/or biological activity thereof, and methods and intermediates useful in their preparation.

Abstract: A mechanism for seanilessly searching and accessing information available through the Internet and other resources is disclosed. The present invention maintains a database of file objects available from numerous sources. The present invention updates the database periodically to ensure the accuracy and completeness of it. The present invention also may access and retrieve data from numerous sources when prompted by a sige and simple command initiated by the user. The user is shielded from the quirks and intricacies of various information sources.

Abstract: A dog food composition containing a small but sufficient amount of simmondsin component to provide simmondsin within the range of 0.1% by weight of said dog food dry matter mix to about 1.5% by weight of said dog food dry matter mix. Also disclosed as part of the invention is a method of weight reduction of companion pets by adding to pet food the above-defined range of simmondsin, contributed by simmondsin, simmondsin analogues or mixtures thereof, such as derived from defatted jojoba seed meal, and thereafter feeding the pet food to a companion pet on a regular and sustained basis to achieve weight reduction then weight maintenance.

Abstract: Synthetic methods for lactone-containing compounds such as the discodermolides are provided, as are compounds which mimic the chemical and/or biological activity thereof, and methods and intermediates useful in their preparation.

Abstract: A positive displacement pump is disclosed having a pump body, a cylinder member rotatably accommodated within the pump body and a piston member within the cylinder member. At least a portion of the cylinder member is rotatable about the cylinder axis in step with the reciprocal motion of the piston relative to the cylinder. The rotatable portion of the cylinder has as least one flow port which communicates with the working volume of an intake or discharge port for material being pumped. The rotatable portion of the cylinder preferably has two flow ports, one which will communicate with the intake port and the other which will communicate with the discharge port.

Abstract: A housing having a top wall of a chess board pattern is arranged to selectively receive groupings of chess pieces configured in representative relationship to a respective category of sports to include football, hockey, baseball, and basketball. A transparent laminate web is arranged for selective mounting and frictional adhering to the top wall to indicate relative to each representative group of chess pieces.

Abstract: Apparatus for cutting cigarette packs transversely in preparation for recovery of the tobacco from the cigarettes therein comprises a first belt conveyor driven at a first velocity, a device for delivering the cigarette packs in collated relation onto the first conveyor with all packs resting on one of their larger sides and oriented lengthwise of the conveyor, and a second belt conveyor arranged coaxially with and adjacent to the downstream end of first conveyor to receive the packs from the first conveyor and driven at a second velocity, the second velocity being higher than the first velocity such that the packs become spaced apart end-to-end on the second conveyor. An indexing conveyor arranged orthogonally to and adjacent to the downstream end of the second conveyor receives each pack from the second conveyor at a receiving station. A photodetector detects the arrival of each pack at the receiving station and produces a signal indicative thereof.

Abstract: The container of the present invention for storing and shipping syringes comprises a base with a plurality of ports, each adapted to receive a syringe, and a cover which fits over the syringes and locks onto the base. The base is made of insulative material so as to protect the medicinal fluid within the syringes from temperature extremes. The cover is transparent for easy identification of the contents. The sidewalls of the cover are corrugated to provide strength to the cover. The top of the cover and the bottom of the base are flat so that a plurality of containers can be stacked one upon another for shipping and storage.

Abstract: A tail seal for a tunnelling shield, particularly for use in the bentonite process, in which a seal is formed of short brush-like material mounted on a flexible support and resiliently urged by a body of closed cell expanded material, such as neoprene. In a preferred form the flexible support is secured both fore and aft and the closed cell expanded material has an inflatable member embedded therein.