Abstract: An automated sample handling apparatus is disclosed having a pipette mechanism (6) which has an integral clamp device (27, 31, 23) suitable for picking up one or more items other than a disposable tip (8; 12) such as a plate holder (35) which can carry a microplate or other consumable item(s). A retractable drawer (14) for carrying a plurality of microplates (13) is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and process (20) for forming an embossed web or other article can include moving a target, composite web (26) along an appointed machine-direction (22) at a selected web speed, and operatively contacting the target web (26) with a rotary embossing device (38) to thereby form a non-linear embossment region (82) in at least a selected embossment portion of the target web (26). For example, the web speed can be at least a minimum of about 1.9 m/sec. In a particular aspect, the embossing device (38) can include an outer peripheral surface (42) having a lateral cross-direction (24) and a circumferential-direction (40), and can include a non-linear embossing member (44) located on the outer surface (42). In another aspect, the embossing member (44) can be configured to include a selected traversing occurrence along the circumferential-direction (40) of the embossing device (38). In a further aspect, the embossing member (44) can be configured to include a selected lateral traversing distance (50).

Abstract: An embossing method and apparatus (20) comprises a rotary embossing device (32) having a radial direction (28) and an outer peripheral surface (34). The embossing device (32) includes at least one embossing-component (48) which extends at least radially outward from the peripheral surface (34), and is configured to provide for a first embossing-pattern (38). The embossing device (32) also includes a rotary shaft member (46). A base embossing-segment (50) is operatively joined to the rotary shaft member (46) and configured to carry a first base-section (40) of the first embossing-component (48). In a particular aspect, a first, supplemental embossing-segment (52) is operatively joined and selectively positionable on the rotary shaft member (46), and is configured to carry a first supplemental-section (42) of the first embossing-component (48).

Abstract: This invention relates to a formulation combining the additive effects of branched chain amino acids, maltodextrins, and salts for manufacture in the food industry for the purpose of reducing: 1) Alcohol induced decline in well-being, and/or 2) Appetite for alcohol.

Abstract: A vehicle article carrier for securing cargo and other like items elevationally above the roof of a vehicle. The vehicle article carrier includes pair of support members fixed to the roof of the vehicle, a bracket member disposed on each of the support members and a cross bar extending between the bracket members. Each of the bracket members is slidably positionable along its associated support member. Each support member further includes a main channel having a depending lip portion which includes an aperture or notch formed therein. The aperture or notch is adapted to positively engage with a hook of the associated bracket member to even more positively secure the bracket member to the support member.

Abstract: An article carrying system for operative association with an automotive vehicle having an exterior generally horizontal surface, such as a trunk lid or roof, the system comprising a pair of elongated support members or slats which have a configuration which flows conformably and aerodynamically into the surface of the vehicle and which are permenently secured to the vehicle. The support members have longitudinally extending channels for supporting adjustable and/or removable components of the system, including tie downs and cross members which components are also provided with aerodynamic designs compatible with the remainder of the system. Provision is also made for association of components of the system, such as cross members, to be fixedly located on the support members.

Abstract: The present invention is an article carrier for an automobile including two side rails fixedly secured on a generally horizontal extending exterior automobile body surface. The side rails extend generally longitudinally of the automobile. A pair of bracket members are disposed on the side rails and a cross bar extends laterally between and secured adjacent its opposite ends to the bracket members. A means on each of the article securing members cooperates with the side rails for detachably securing and longitudinally adjusting the cross bar upon the side rails.

Abstract: The present invention is an article carrier for an automobile including two side rails fixedly secured on a generally horizontal extending exterior automobile body surface. The side rails extend generally longitudinally of the automobile. A pair of bracket members are disposed on the side rails and a cross bar extends laterally between and secured adjacent its opposite ends to the bracket members. A means on each of the article securing members cooperates with the side rails for detachably securing and longitudinally adjusting the cross bar upon the side rails.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a biochemically pure protein, termed antistasin, which exhibits both antimetastatic and anticoagulant properties. Methods of producing the protein and methods of using the protein to inhibit or reduce metastasis and/or coagulation of blood are disclosed. The complete amino acid sequences of antistasin and some variants have been determined from purified protein and cloned cDNAs.

Abstract: The present invention is an article carrier for an automobile including two side rails fixedly secured on a generally horizontal extending exterior automobile body surface. The side rails extend generally longitudinally of the automobile. A pair of bracket members are disposed on the side rails and a cross bar extends laterally between and secured adjacent its opposite ends to the bracket members. A means on each of the article securing members cooperate with the side rails for detachably securing and longitudinally adjusting the cross bar upon the side rails.

Abstract: A cargo restraint system for vehicles is disclosed. The cargo restraining devices includes a mechanism secured to a vehicle surface to enable selectable positioning of the cargo restraint system. Also, a member for restraining cargo on the vehicle surface is associated with the selectable positioning mechanism secured to the vehicle surface. The restraining member is movable from a first position, substantially parallel with and adjacent to the vehicle surface, to a second operable position. In the operable second position, the restraining member is substantially orthogonal to the vehicle surface.

Abstract: A cargo restraint system for the bed of a truck comprising a pair of recess members each secured to opposing truck side walls. A bed liner may also be included in the combination. An elongated stop block being releasably assembled into grooves in said recess members for adjustable movement in said recess members as part of a multi-faceted, but easily disassembled system for cargo restraint for use in trucks, vans, station wagons and the like.

Abstract: An article carrying system for operative association with an automotive vehicle having an exterior generally horizontal surface, such as a trunk lid or roof, the system comprising a pair of elongated support members or slats which have a configuration which flows conformably and aerodynamically into the surface of the vehicle and which are permanently secured to the vehicle. The support members have longitudinally extending channels for supporting adjustable and/or removable components of the system, including tie downs and cross members which components are also provided with aerodynamic designs compatible with the remainder of the system. Provision is also made for association of components of the system, such as cross members, to be fixedly located on the support members.

Abstract: The present invention is an article carrier for an automobile including two side rails fixedly secured on a generally horizontal extending exterior automobile body surface. The side rails extend generally longitudinally of the automobile. A pair of bracket members are disposed on the side rails and a crossbar extends laterally between and secured adjacent its opposite ends to the bracket members. A spring member on each of the bracket members cooperates with notches in a channel member of the side rails for detachably securing and longitudinally adjusting the crossbar upon the side rails.

Abstract: The present invention is an article securing assembly for receiving a device to secure an object on a plurality of elongated slats mounted on an exterior horizontal surface of an automobile. The assembly includes a cavity in at least one of the slats. A tie-down member is disposed within the cavity for pivotal movement between a closed position in which the upper surface of the tie-down member does not extend above the upper surface of the slat and an open position such that a portion of the tie-down member extnds above the upper surface of the slat.

Abstract: The present invention is an article carrier for an automobile including two side rails fixedly secured on a generally horizontal extending exterior automobile body surface. The side rails extend generally longitudinally of the automobile. A pair of bracket members are disposed on the side rails and a cross bar extends laterally between and secured adjacent its opposite ends to the bracket members. A means on each of the article securing members cooperates with the side rails for detachably securing and longitudinally adjusting the cross bar upon the side rails.

Abstract: The present invention is an article carrier for an automobile including two side rails fixedly secured on a generally horizontal extending exterior automobile body surface. The side rails extend generally longitudinally of the automobile. A pair of bracket members are disposed on the side rails and a cross bar extends laterally between and secured adjacent its opposite ends to the bracket members. A means on each of the article securing members cooperate with the side rails for detachably securing and longitudinally adjusting the cross bar upon the side rails.

Abstract: A cargo restraint system for vehicles is disclosed. The cargo restraining device includes a mechanism secured to a vehicle surface to enable selectable positioning of the cargo restraint system. Also, a member for restraining cargo on the vehicle surface is associated with the selectable positioning mechanism secured to the vehicle surface. The restraining member is movable from a first position, substantially parallel with and adjacent to the vehicle surface, to a second operable position. In the operable second position, the restraining member is substantially orthogonal to the vehicle surface.