Abstract: The present invention provides methods for initiating, capturing, maintaining and multiplying embryogenic cultures of coniferous plants. Methods include the use of novel media compositions containing folic acid, biotin, pH buffers, gibberellin inhibitors and gas-tight environment treatments to improve the frequency of embryogenic tissue initiation, capture, maintenance and multiplication. The methods are well suited for initiating embryogenic cultures in recalcitrant conifer varieties. The method is also well suited for producing somatic embryos that can be further cultured to produce large numbers of plants. Further, the invention provides novel methods that may be used to enhance somatic embryogenesis in a broad range of species.

Abstract: The position of a working point relative to a working space, such as a working point of a carriage on a gantry beam of an XY positioning table, is determined by measuring at least two sets of displacements. A first set of displacements, of the working point relative to an intermediate component, such as the gantry beam, includes a relatively large displacement (X) in a first linear degree of freedom and relatively small displacements (Y1?, Y2?), in at least two of the five degrees of freedom other than the first. The second set of displacements, of the intermediate component relative to the working space, includes a relatively large displacement (Y1, Y2), in a second linear degree of freedom, and relatively small displacements (X1?, X2?), in at least two of the five degrees of freedom other than the second.

Abstract: A gear operated pivoting travel lock secures a slide-out section of a vehicle in a retracted position. The travel lock includes a gear box, containing two mating worm gears, that mounts to a wall of the slide-out section. The drive gear is mounted at the end of an operating member and the driven gear is mounted to an axle. Two pivot arms are mounted at the ends of the axle. Turning the operating member, preferably by a handle member, rotates the drive gear to mesh with the driven gear. As the driven gear rotates, the pivot arms swing out from a collapsed position to an engaged position. When the slide-out section is retracted within the vehicle, a pressure pad at the end of the pivot arms clamps against an interior surface of the vehicle wall. When the travel lock is collapsed the slide-out section can be moved between the retracted and extended positions.

Abstract: A leveling leg assembly adapted for mounting to a vehicle includes an outer member and an inner member telescoped slidably into the outer member. The inner member has a first end extending beyond the outer member. Means for driving the inner member telescopically drives the inner member out of the outer member from a retracted position toward an extended position. A first bracket is fixed to the outer member, and a second bracket is fixable to the vehicle, wherein one of the first and second brackets has a plurality of holes formed therethrough, and the other of the first and second brackets has at least one hole formed therethrough that is aligned with at least one of the plurality of holes to fix the first bracket relative to the second bracket at a desired height relative to the vehicle.

Abstract: A clamping device is provided for clamping an object, such as bonding wire for a wire bonding machine. The device comprises a pair of clamping arms arranged in pivotal relationship with each other about a pivot point, the clamping arms having clamping ends movable between an open position and a closed position. An attraction device is operative to provide an attraction force between the clamping arms about the pivot point. The device includes biasing means that is operative to provide a biasing force in opposition to the attraction force about the pivot point, such that the biasing force is operative to bias the clamping ends towards the closed position. In a preferred embodiment, the biasing means comprises a flexure bearing.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions comprising a mixture of hyaluronic acid and liposomes. Preferably, the pharmaceutical compositions further include a pharmaceutically active substance such as cyclosporin A encapsulated in the liposomes. A method for preparing a pharmaceutical composition includes producing liposomes from phospholipids, preferably in the presence of a pharmaceutically active substance (most preferably cyclosporin A) to be encapsulated within the liposomes, and mixing the liposomes with hyaluronic acid. Pharmaceutical compositions of this invention are used, for example, to topically administer pharmaceutical agents effective to treat skin disorders by deposition of that agent in the dermis or sub-dermis while minimizing systemic circulation thereof. These compositions are also administered orally, parenterally and intrarectally.

Abstract: A process for the production of crystals with controlled surface smoothness, size, shape and degree of crystallinity, compositions comprising such crystals, and the use of certain crystals, especially lactose, lactose monohydrate, fluticasone propionate, salmeterol xinafoate, salbutamol sulphate or ipratropium bromide in pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: A clamping device is provided for clamping an object, such as bonding wire for a wire bonding machine. The device comprises a pair of clamping arms arranged in pivotal relationship with each other about a pivot point, the clamping arms having clamping ends movable between an open position and a closed position. An attraction device is operative to provide an attraction force between the clamping arms about the pivot point. The device includes biasing means that is operative to provide a biasing force in opposition to the attraction force about the pivot point, such that the biasing force is operative to bias the clamping ends towards the closed position. In a preferred embodiment, the biasing means comprises a flexure bearing.

Abstract: An apparatus for moving an optical element in an opto-mechanical system, includes at least one circularly symmetric flexure surrounding the optical element, and a device for moving the optical element along an axis perpendicular to and extending through the center of the flexure. A number of flexures may be provided in a stack with spacers therebetween, and the optical element may be mounted in a tubular member supported by two spaced apart stacks. Structure is also provided for damping end of movement vibrations.

Abstract: The position of a working point relative to a working space, such as a working point of a carriage on a gantry beam of an XY positioning table, is determined by measuring at least two sets of displacements. A first set of displacements, of the working point relative to an intermediate component, such as the gantry beam, includes a relatively large displacement (X) in a first linear degree of freedom and relatively small displacements (Y1′, Y2′), in at least two of the five degrees of freedom other than the first. The second set of displacements, of the intermediate component relative to the working space, includes a relatively large displacement (Y1, Y2), in a second linear degree of freedom, and relatively small displacements (X1′, X2′), in at least two of the five degrees of freedom other than the second.

Abstract: A surgical elongate blade assembly with an interchangeable inner member such that the interchangeable inner member can be removed from a tubular outer member and inserted into another tubular outer member having a different configuration during a surgical procedure. The outer members and inner members can be provided as a kit. In one embodiment the outer member has a distal end and a tubular wall with the inner diameter of the tubular wall being greater than the inner diameter of the distal end.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for clamping an object. The apparatus comprises a clamping mechanism and an actuation system to actuate clamping and de-clamping of the clamping mechanism, wherein the actuation system comprises two actuator devices which are operatively coupled whereby to provide an actuation force to the clamping mechanism. Preferably, the actuator devices comprises a variable reluctance actuator and a linear induction actuator coupled together and adapted to cooperate to provide the actuation force to the clamping mechanism.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for clamping an object. The apparatus comprises a clamping mechanism and an actuation system to actuate clamping and de-clamping of the clamping mechanism, wherein the actuation system comprises two actuator devices which are operatively coupled whereby to provide an actuation force to the clamping mechanism. Preferably, the actuator devices comprises a variable reluctance actuator and a linear induction actuator coupled together and adapted to cooperate to provide the actuation force to the clamping mechanism.

Abstract: A bi-directional shock and vibration dampener, which affords isolation from undesirable motion in one axis while maintaining positional rigidity on another axis. The invention consists of an attachment with bearings conformed along a shaft to allow axial movement between them. The shaft may be attached with a close tolerance piston centered in a cylinder dividing the cylinder into two chambers. Internal springs and transfer of gas or fluid between chambers achieve bi-directional dampening. Alternately, the dampning effect may be achieved externally to the assembly. In another mount configuration, a gimbal mount with angular deflection sensors and servo drive may be used to maintain desired position relative to horison for motion picture cameras or other equipment. Angular position is held constant while the atachment changes angle on a single plane.

Abstract: There is described a method, computer program product and system which relate to the execution of verifiable processes in a distributed computing/processing environment. More particularly the invention relates to the autonomic implementation and verification of a business logic specification in a heterogeneous distributed computing environment. The business logic specification (102) is rendered (step 112) as a plurality of validated processes (104) for execution in a distributed processing environment (110). By monitoring and analysing the information generated in that execution (step 114), it is possible to correlate a view of the executing processes (106). Comparison between the original specification and the correlated view is performed, context information is applied (step 116) and amendments made to the specification as a result. The invention achieves the full cycle of events substantially autonomically.

Abstract: The invention provides a motor system and a method for positioning a load. The system comprises support means such as an XY table for supporting the load. A first motor and a second motor cooperate to drive the load, whereby the first motor is adapted to provide higher thrust than the second motor and the second motor is adapted to deliver higher positioning accuracy than the first motor during a positioning sequence to position the load.

Abstract: There is described a method, computer program product and system which relate to the execution of verifiable processes in a distributed computing/processing environment. More particularly the invention relates to the autonomic implementation and verification of a business logic specification in a heterogeneous distributed computing environment. The business logic specification (102) is rendered (step 112) as a plurality of validated processes (104) for execution in a distributed processing environment (110). By monitoring and analysing the information generated in that execution (step 114), it is possible to correlate a view of the executing processes (106). Comparison between the original specification and the correlated view is performed (step 116) and amendments made to the specification as a result. The invention achieves the full cycle of events substantially autonomically.

Abstract: The invention provides a motor system and a method for positioning a load. The system comprises support means such as an XY table for supporting the load. A first motor and a second motor cooperate to drive the load, whereby the first motor is adapted to provide higher thrust than the second motor and the second motor is adapted to deliver higher positioning accuracy than the first motor during a positioning sequence to position the load.

Abstract: A flexible inner tubular member for being rotated in an outer tubular member of a rotary tissue cutting instrument includes an elongate inner tube having a rotatably driveable proximal end, a distal end having a cutting member exposed from the outer tubular member to cut anatomical tissue and a flexible region allowing the inner tubular member to rotate within the outer tubular member while conforming to the shape of the outer member. The flexible region is defined by a helical cut in the inner tube defining a plurality of integrally, unitarily connected tube segments angularly movable relative to one another and a spiral wrap disposed over the helical cut.

Abstract: Force sensing apparatus is provided for sensing deflection of a transducer in an ultrasonic welding machine. The apparatus includes a body member, a transducer holder and a force sensor. The transducer holder is adapted to hold an ultrasonic transducer and the transducer holder is fixed to the body member. The force sensor is located between adjacent surfaces of the body member and the transducer holder to sense a force applied between the surfaces.