Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and arrangements in a computer system for controlling processes. A process is described as a number of process variables and as process elements, each process element including a rule for transitions to at least one other process element and actions to be performed when the process element is active. An active process state is described as a number of process elements including their actions, and as current values of the process variables.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of isolating a desired nucleic acid from a biological solution, which method comprises to selectively precipitate the desired nucleic acid by adding a polycationic precipitating agent to the solution and allowing it to form a complex with said nucleic acid, wherein the precipitating agent is a highly charged linear polymer that comprises quaternary amino groups. The polycationic precipitating agent is preferably added in such an amount that the charge ratio [+]/[?] between polycationic precipitating agent and nucleic acid is ?0.5, preferably ?0.9 and most preferably ?1 during the precipitation, and in the presence of a salt concentration ensuring the quantitative specific precipitation of the nucleic acid/polycation complex.

Abstract: A frame of a needle bar mechanism is mounted in a sewing machine arm and supports the swingable needle bar holder to enable zigzag motion of the needle. A stepping motor is mounted in the frame and connected by a link from the shaft of the motor to the needle bar holder. The motor is controlled by stitch codes supplied by 8 amplifier circuits and automatic control devices. The link is formed so that the driving arrangement can be calibrated and an elastic engagement is provided between the motor shaft and the needle bar holder. The transfer distance through only one link is short so the friction loss is small. This, in combination with a small holding torque of the needle bar, restricts the dimension of the stepping motor.

Abstract: For improving the efficiency of an Otto cycle engine operating under varying loads, an opposing piston is provided above the driving piston in each cylinder and is controlled in accordance with the inlet manifold depression so as to vary the compression ratio and maintain the compression substantially constant with different working loads.