Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for cleaning, in particular degassing, thermoplastic plastics, in particular polyolefins, the apparatus including a cleaning container for the thermoplastic plastic to be cleaned and a feed apparatus for feeding the thermoplastic plastic to be cleaned into the cleaning container in pourable form, the cleaning container having a gas feed opening, and a steam generator for generating water vapor being provided and being connected to the gas feed opening in order to feed the water vapor to the cleaning container.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing virus-like particles (VLP) that comprises the steps of (a) transfecting a mammalian cell line with several independent vectors, including (1) a vector containing at least a substantial part of the M gene from Rift Valley Fever Virus, (2) a vector containing at least a substantial part of the L gene from Rift Valley Fever Virus, (3) a vector containing at least a substantial part of the N gene from Rift Valley Fever Virus and (4) a vector containing a multicloning site flanked by the non-coding 5?- and 3?-ends of the L-, M- or S-segment of Rift Valley Fever Virus, and (b) culturing the transfected mammalian cell line under suitable conditions and obtaining the VLPs from the supernatant of the transfected cultured cell lines. The so-obtained VLPs can be used for vaccination and in methods for testing the antiviral activity of compounds.

Abstract: A holder for a drink carton, which holder includes a main housing, a lid member coupled to the main housing, and a stopper member coupled to the lid. The lid includes a first aperture that receives a first end of the stopper member and a second aperture that provides access to a drink box container in the holder so that the opening of the drink box can be punctured and stoppered by means of the second end of the stopper member.

Abstract: A wheel has a structural wheel center of non-ferrous metal, such as aluminum or magnesium, with the outboard surface of the wheel center being unplated and of unfinished appearance, a tire supporting rim connected to the wheel center, and a chrome plated, thin gauge, steel cover applied over the outboard side of and attached to the wheel center. The cover conforms to and covers the unfinished outboard surface of the wheel center and gives the wheel the appearance of having a chromed, non-ferrous wheel center. Preferably, outer and inner axial flanges on the cover are a press fit onto corresponding shoulders of the wheel center.

Abstract: A wheel assembly for a vehicle has a metal decorative cover extending over the wheel center of a conventional steel wheel. The outer periphery of the cover extends around the junction between the wheel center and the well of the steel wheels's rim. The cover has stud holes which register with those of the steel wheel, and is clamped to the wheel center by the wheel mounting studs and nuts of the vehicle. The cover is spaced from the wheel center between the periphery of the cover and the stud holes which are preferably recessed in the cover. Reinforcing members may bridge the space between the cover and the wheel center. Preferably, the outer periphery of the cover is formed as a lip curved into the joint of the rim and center. Different covers can be interchanged on the wheel to change the appearance thereof.