Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of a frozen vegetable or part thereof, wherein said process comprises the steps: (i) heat-treating a vegetable or part thereof; (ii) under-cooling to a maximum core temperature of less than or equal to ?5° C.; (iii) reducing the core temperature to less than or equal to ?18° C.; The invention also provides a frozen vegetable or part thereof comprising a core ice content, characterised in that at least 40% of said core ice content is located within a plurality of cellular structures, wherein the perimeter of each cellular structure is defined by a cell wall.

Abstract: A shadow box scrapbook page adapted to hold and secure three-dimensional objects for storage and display. This invention provides a binder portion having openings to receive standard rings or posts common to binders, and a frame device, having a front, back and side, top and bottom sections, defining a cavity. The front is generally transparent for the viewing of the stored objects.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a conveyor belt alignment system comprising pivoting members mounted on a support bracket adaptedly operating through a guide control bar having guide rollers for controlling lateral movements of the belt, the control bar activating the pivoting members through torque arms thereby continuously monitoring the axis of the belt and thereby re-positioning as needed.

Abstract: An application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) and method of manufacture. The ASIC includes a substrate layer, at least one metal layer and an operational block. The metal layer is formed above the substrate layer. The operational block is formed in the substrate layer and the metal layer, and is definable by a two-dimensional boundary. The operational block includes a plurality of operational logic gates, a first subgroup of spare logic gates, a second subgroup of spare logic gates, operational wiring and spare gate wiring. The operational logic gates, the first subgroup and the second subgroup are formed on the substrate layer, with the first subgroup being spaced from the second subgroup. The operational wiring is routed into the metal layer and interconnects the operational logic gates to configure the operational block to perform a desired operation. The spare gate wiring is similarly routed into the metal layer.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel phospholipase A.sub.2 enzyme, polynucleotides encoding such enzyme and methods for screening unknown compounds for anti-inflammatory activity mediated by the arachidonic acid cascade.

Abstract: The present invention is a walking assist device which comprises a shaft having a hand grip at one end and having an end piece at the other. A retractable member is positioned within the end piece and has a point at one end. The retractable member may be positioned in a first position such that the point protrudes from the end piece. The retractable member has a second position in which the point is retracted within the end piece. In an alternate embodiment, a locking mechanism is connected between the shaft and the retractable member to provide an alternately locked position in either the retracted or protruding position of the point.

Abstract: A carton comprises opposite normally flat side panels, a normally flat transverse panel joined to the side panels along one edge of each of the side panels, an upper spout edge which is closed along a line cut across the transverse panel and angled downwardly in the side panels to first opposed flexure points in the side panels, a lower spout edge scored across the transverse panel, below the upper spout edge and angled upwardly in the side panels to the first flexure points, the lower spout edge intersecting each said edge of the side panels at said flexure points, and a score line extending from each of the first flexure points angularly downwardly to third flexure points at each said edge of the side panels below the second flexure points, the transverse panel thus providing, between the third flexure points and the lower spout edge, a trigger surface that can be pressed to swing inwardly of the carton about the third flexure points, forcing the lower spout edge and the second flexure points inwardly, and

Abstract: A buoy flotation system, wherein a container of a compressed fluid is utilized for expansion of a float, includes a cutter for severing and removal of a portion of the container for releasing the compressed fluid. The cutter includes a piston having a recess in a side wall thereof for mating with the container, the piston being contained within a housing, the piston and the housing having cutting edges. An explosive charge drives the piston transversely of the container whereupon the cutting edges sever and remove a portion of the container for evacuation of the compressed fluid therefrom.