Abstract: A method of measuring the fluorescence of a fluorescent marker compound dissolved or dispersed in a bulk material includes: (a) measuring a characteristic of the fluorescence of a mixture of said bulk material and said fluorescent marker compound; (b) quenching the fluorescence of the fluorescent marker compound to produce a quenched mixture; (c) measuring the characteristic of the fluorescence of the quenched mixture; (d) comparing the fluorescent characteristic of the mixture with the fluorescent characteristic of the quenched mixture; and (e) correcting the measured fluorescent emission characteristic for the effects of the absorbance of the bulk material. The measurement may be further corrected to account for the absorbance of the material which is also known to have an effect on the measured fluorescence. A method of tagging and identifying a bulk material with a fluorescent marker compound, and an apparatus for carrying out the methods are also described.

Abstract: An apparatus that is usable with a well includes a first equipment section that includes a first inductive coupler and a second equipment section that includes a second inductive coupler. The second equipment section is adapted to be run downhole into the well after the first equipment section is run downhole into the well to engage the first equipment section. A mechanism of the apparatus indicates when the first inductive coupler is substantially aligned with the second inductive coupler.

Abstract: An apparatus that is usable with a well includes a first equipment section that includes a first inductive coupler and a second equipment section that includes a second inductive coupler. The second equipment section is adapted to be run downhole into the well after the first equipment section is run downhole into the well to engage the first equipment section. A mechanism of the apparatus indicates when the first inductive coupler is substantially aligned with the second inductive coupler.

Abstract: A thermal energy storage composition having improved fire retardant properties comprising: A) particles of organic phase change material (PCM), B) particles of fire retarding magnesium hydroxide and/or aluminium hydroxide, and/or C) magnesia cement, in which the particles of (A) organic phase change material are distributed uniformly throughout particles of (B) magnesium hydroxide and/or aluminium hydroxide and/or throughout (C) magnesia cement. The composition is suitable for producing a variety of articles having thermal energy storage properties and/or temperature regulation. Suitable articles include fibres, fabrics, foams, heating and cooling devices and building materials.

Abstract: An aerosol fluid dispenser includes a movable actuator for controlling dispensing of the liquid or fluid product from the dispenser and a locking mechanism for locking the actuator.

Abstract: A combined brewing system for small scale brewing of fermented alcoholic beverages, particularly beer, and to a method of making fermented alcoholic beverages. The brewing system comprises a single pressurizable vessel. The beer is naturally carbonated to the desired level during fermentation. Sediment is collected and substantially separated from within the vessel and removed from the vessel while the vessel is under pressure. Compressed gas is added for maintaining natural carbonation levels, so that the contents of the vessel can be drawn off at a desired pressure. The vessel has a temperature control system to selectively control the temperature during processing.

Abstract: A liquid cosmetic product dispenser that can allow a person to quickly and unobtrusively apply liquid cosmetic product includes a palm sized dispenser and the liquid cosmetic product is disposed in the dispenser under pressure that is greater than atmospheric pressure. The dispenser includes a movable actuator button for controlling dispensing of the liquid cosmetic product from the dispenser and a locking mechanism for locking the actuator button.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for modulating neuronal cell death or impairment, and methods for the treatment, prevention, and/or amelioration of symptoms of one or more conditions or diseases in a mammal caused by neuronal cell death or dysfunction.

Abstract: A shredding machine is disclosed which is particularly suitable for domestic or office use in shredding papers or the like. The machine comprises a feed aperture arranged above an electric cutting mechanism, the feed aperture preferably taking the form of a feed slot. The machine is characterised by the provision of an actuating element which is moveable, preferably in a pivotal manner, between a first position in which the actuating element permits energisation of the cutting mechanism, and a second position in which the actuating element prevents energisation of the cutting mechanism.

Abstract: A liquid cosmetic product retail unit includes a container and a plurality of dispensers disposed in the container. The container is dimensioned to fit onto a shelf in a retail store and includes a base, a lid and a plurality of receptacles formed in at least one of the base and the lid. A method for offering for sale a liquid cosmetic product is also disclosed.

Abstract: A shredder arrangement comprising a housing defining a feed slot for receiving sheet material inserted by a user; a cutting mechanism for shredding the sheet material inserted through the feed slot, and a protective guard for positioning across the feed slot to prevent relatively rigid sheet material from striking the user during shredding of such sheet material, the guard defining an aperture allowing said sheet material to be inserted through the guard and into the feed slot; wherein the protective guard is moveable between a first configuration and a second configuration to symmetrically adjust the size of the aperture.

Abstract: A method of enhancing uptake of DNA by a host cell line comprises introducing the DNA into the host cell and contacting the host cell with non-infectious viral particles. The non-infectious particles may be L-particle or PREPS (pre-viral DNA replication envelope particles), for example, those derived from alpha herpesvirus.

Abstract: A binder is described which is operable to bind together pages of a document using a comb, the binder including a punch mechanism operable to punch a line of holes close to one edge of the pages of the document, and a comb opening mechanism to enable the punched pages to be placed on the comb, the comb opening mechanism having a user operable control. The binder further includes a user operable control for selection of the comb size to be used to bind the document which automatically determines at least two settings of the binder.

Abstract: A transdermal active principle delivery means comprises a skin adherent or otherwise skin-tolerant substrate applicable to a skin area affected by DNA virus, which substrate includes a composition for treating DNA comprising a transdermally effective carrier medium including at least one active principle selected from the group consisting of diuretic agents and/or cardiac glycoside agents.

Abstract: An apparatus that is usable with a well includes a first equipment section that includes a first inductive coupler and a second equipment section that includes a second inductive coupler. The second equipment section is adapted to be run downhole into the well after the first equipment section is run downhole into the well to engage the first equipment section. A mechanism of the apparatus indicates when the first inductive coupler is substantially aligned with the second inductive coupler.

Abstract: A connection apparatus (1) is provided. The apparatus has: a body (7); at least two connectors (6a, 6b); and an interconnection element (16). The wire connectors (6a, 6b) connect wires to the apparatus (1) and provide a conductive connection of the wires to an interconnection element (16).

Abstract: Use of PREPS and/or L-particles for the manufacture of a medicament for modifying or regulating leukocyte function.

Abstract: An anti-viral topical gel formulation comprising at least one loop diuretic and/or cardiac glycoside in a gel carrier medium, said formulation capable of transdermal delivery of the said diuretic and/or glycoside.

Abstract: A system for performing hybridization assays comprises a cartridge for housing a flow through device, where the cartridge includes a test fluid chamber for facilitating a substantially uniform flow of a test fluid mixture through the flow through device, and a fluidics station to deliver the test fluid mixture to the cartridge. The cartridge has a chip holder that holds the flow-through device, which has an array of microchannel passages. The chip holder has a support for placement of the flow though device, the test fluid chamber for directing a substantially uniform flow of a test fluid mixture through the array of microchannel passages of the flow through device, and a first port that receives the test fluid mixture. The cartridge has a sealing system for preventing the leakage of the test fluid around the flow through device. The test fluid chamber is defined in part by a spade-like surface having an inlet for the test fluid mixture.

Abstract: A liquid cosmetic product retail unit includes a container and a plurality of dispensers disposed in the container. The container is dimensioned to fit onto a shelf in a retail store and includes a base, a lid and a plurality of receptacles formed in at least one of the base and the lid. A method for offering for sale a liquid cosmetic product is also disclosed.