Abstract: A cluster panel assembly comprising a bridge bezel operably and releasably coupled to a surround bezel is disclosed, wherein the bridge bezel is disposed adjacent a steering column and further comprises a plurality of attachment locations for coupling the bridge bezel to the surround bezel, wherein the attachment locations comprise a set of fasteners adapted to be released in a car-forward sequence as an impact load is imparted on the bridge bezel from the steering column during a collision event.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a self-consolidating concrete (SCC) mixture having a compressive strength of at least 25 MPa at 28 days of age. In accordance with one embodiment, there is provided an SCC mixture, comprising: a mixture of coarse aggregate (CA), fine aggregate (FA), very fine aggregate (VFA), Portland cement or Portland limestone cement, an ASTM C494 Type F polycarboxylate ether high range water reducer, and water, wherein the VFA has a particle size distribution in which 95% to 100% passes a 2.5 mm sieve and in which 20% to 100% passes a 75 ?m sieve.

Abstract: Novel proteins from Streptococcus pneumoniae are described, together with nucleic acid sequences encoding them. Their use in vaccines and in screening methods is also described.

Abstract: A cluster panel assembly comprising a bridge bezel operably and releasably coupled to a surround bezel is disclosed, wherein the bridge bezel is disposed adjacent a steering column and further comprises a plurality of attachment locations for coupling the bridge bezel to the surround bezel, wherein the attachment locations comprise a set of fasteners adapted to be released in a car-forward sequence as an impact load is imparted on the bridge bezel from the steering column during a collision event.

Abstract: Gas lift pump apparatus comprising a column through which a liquid medium may be pumped by gas lift, the apparatus comprising a delivery device for delivering a flow of a gaseous fluid into the liquid medium, the device comprising means for generating ultrasonic energy therein by the flow of gaseous fluid therethrough, the device being operable to launch the ultrasonic energy into the liquid medium in the column.

Abstract: Transducer modules for use in a blood analysis instrument and methods for analyzing a blood sample. The transducer modules presented generally include a light source, a focus-alignment system, a flow cell, and a light scatter detection system. Electrodes within the flow cell allow for the measurement of the DC impedance and RF conductivity of cells passing through a cell-interrogation zone in the flow cell. Light scatter from the cells passing through the cell-interrogation zone is measured by the light scatter detection system. The light scatter detection system measures the light scatter parameters of upper median light scatter, lower median angle light scatter, low angle light scatter, and axial light loss.

Abstract: An improved optical flow cell adapted for use in a flow cytometer for differentiating formed bodies (e.g., blood cells). Manufactured from a monolithic transparent material, the improved flow cell has an internal flow channel of polygonal transverse cross-section through which prepared samples can be metered and an external envelope suited to acquisition of optical parameters from formed bodies in such samples. Preferably, such flow cell is formed by a glass-drawing process in which a relatively large glass preform having a rectilinear internal channel of a desired polygonal cross-sectional shape is heated and drawn to achieve a desired cross-sectional area of reduced size. Also disclosed are preferred methods for differentiating formed bodies using the flow cell of the invention.

Abstract: Transducer modules for use in a blood analysis instrument and methods for analyzing a blood sample. The transducer modules presented generally include a light source, a focus-alignment system, a flow cell, and a light scatter detection system. Electrodes within the flow cell allow for the measurement of the DC impedance and RF conductivity of cells passing through a cell-interrogation zone in the flow cell. Light scatter from the cells passing through the cell-interrogation zone is measured by the light scatter detection system. The light scatter detection system measures the light scatter parameters of upper median light scatter, lower median angle light scatter, low angle light scatter, and axial light loss.

Abstract: Novel proteins from Streptococcus pneumoniae are described, together with nucleic acid sequences encoding them. Their use in vaccines and in screening methods is also described.

Abstract: Transducer modules for use in a blood analysis instrument and methods for analyzing a blood sample. The transducer modules presented generally include a light source, a focus-alignment system, a flow cell, and a light scatter detection system. Electrodes within the flow cell allow for the measurement of the DC impedance and RF conductivity of cells passing through a cell-interrogation zone in the flow cell. Light scatter from the cells passing through the cell-interrogation zone is measured by the light scatter detection system. The light scatter detection system measures the light scatter parameters of upper median light scatter, lower median angle light scatter, low angle light scatter, and axial light loss.

Abstract: An improved optical flow cell adapted for use in a flow cytometer for differentiating formed bodies (e.g., blood cells). Manufactured from a monolithic transparent material, the improved flow cell has an internal flow channel of polygonal transverse cross-section through which prepared samples can be metered and an external envelope suited to acquisition of optical parameters from formed bodies in such samples. Preferably, such flow cell is formed by a glass-drawing process in which a relatively large glass preform having a rectilinear internal channel of a desired polygonal cross-sectional shape is heated and drawn to achieve a desired cross-sectional area of reduced size. Also disclosed are preferred methods for differentiating formed bodies using the flow cell of the invention.

Abstract: There are provided various novel antigens from Streptococcus pneumoniae, as well as homologues, derivatives and fragments thereof. The use of these in medicine is described, particularly in the treatment or prophylaxis of S. pneumoniae infections. The use of the antigens in diagnosis is also described.

Abstract: Transducer modules for use in a blood analysis instrument and methods for analyzing a blood sample. The transducer modules presented generally include a light source, a focus-alignment system, a flow cell, and a light scatter detection system. Electrodes within the flow cell allow for the measurement of the DC impedance and RF conductivity of cells passing through a cell-interrogation zone in the flow cell. Light scatter from the cells passing through the cell-interrogation zone is measured by the light scatter detection system. The light scatter detection system measures the light scatter parameters of upper median light scatter, lower median angle light scatter, low angle light scatter, and axial light loss.

Abstract: A device for preventing the introduction of a first conduit into a second conduit includes an insert (3) to be mounted to the second conduit (1). The insert (3) includes a blocking portion (6) sized to block entry of the first conduit (2) into the second conduit (1). The insert (3) is mounted to the second conduit (1) so as not to interfere with flow of a substance from a third conduit (4) into the second conduit (1). The insert (3) may be retractable and biased towards a position where the blocking portion (6) extends from the second conduit (1). A substance deflector (12) may be provided to impede flow of a substance from the first conduit (2) into the second conduit (1). The insert (3) may have many applications, but is particularly suited to use in the fuel inlet port of the neck of a diesel fuel tank to prevent unintended introduction of unleaded petrol.

Abstract: Novel proteins from Streptococcus pneumoniae are described, together with nucleic acid sequences encoding them. Their use in vaccines and in screening methods is also described.

Abstract: A sample device and method for analyzing a sample are claimed. The sample device is a flat disc containing channels and wells for directing a sample to reagents located in the disc and for mixing the sample with the reagents. The disc is mounted on an analyzer and the sample is pumped into the disc, divided into a plurality of sub-sample, and at least some of the sub-samples are mixed with a number of reagents. The resultant analytes are analyzed spectrophotometrically for a determination of the concentration of various substances in the sample. The present invention permits multiple tests to be performed quickly and automatically with minimal operator involvement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hematology instrument system that discriminates platelets from red blood cells, debris and other particles within a blood sample. The instrument system uses an optical trigger and collects data at optical sensor locations relative to a flow cell-illuminating laser beam's optical axis. An axial sensor measures axial light loss due to a particle in the flow cell's illumination aperture. In addition, the instrument system can include an RF unit generates electrical parameters, such as DC and RF parameters, within the flow cell. Blood specimens can be prepared with and without a sphering agent.

Abstract: An electrical connection device (10) for connecting a multi-core machine cable to another electrical device comprises a body (12) having an end-face with apertures and a plurality of insulating sleeves (22) extending about the apertures and a plurality of core coupling means (26, 28) each being at least in part positioned in a respective sleeve. Each core coupling means is connectable to a respective core (29) of the machine cable and has a first contact surface (14) for connecting to a terminal of another electrical device. The device comprises a plurality of spaced apart earth coupling means (24) which surround at least a portion of respective insulating sleeves. Each earth coupling means is connectable to a respective earth potential layer (31) of the machine cable and has a second contact surface (32) for connecting to an earth-potential terminal of another electrical device so that within the electrical connection device the core coupling means are earth-potential screened from one another.

Abstract: An electrical connection device is arranged for connection to a machine cable and includes a pin and a socket. The pin and the socket have engagement surfaces with the pin or socket having another surface that forms a wedging surface for the device. The pin and the socket are moveable relative to each other from a released position to an engaging position in which the engaging surfaces form an electrical contact. The device also includes a wedge portion arranged to impart a force on the wedging surface by contacting the wedging surface on movement to the engaging position. The pin and the socket are arranged so that the engagement surfaces move into opposing relationship on movement to the engaging position and the force imparted on the wedging surface biases one engagement surface against an opposing engagement surface.

Abstract: A method for discriminating and quantifying platelets within an analyzed blood sample involves initially diluting the blood sample with a ghosting reagent that causes a change in the index of refraction of the red blood cells. Owing to the change in the index of refraction, light scattered from the ghosted red blood cells will be substantially reduced relative to light scattered from platelets. This results in locations of platelets within a scatterplot of the analyzed blood sample to fall within a region distinguishable from those containing normal red blood cells, fragmented red blood cells, and microcytic red blood cells.