Abstract: An assay for detecting gene fragments, including: amplifying gene fragments comprising single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to form an initial amplification product; isolating single strand oligonucleotides of interest from the initial amplification product; forming a solution comprising the oligonucleotides of interest and reporter molecules, each reporter molecule having a first oligonucleotide domain configured to hybridize with a complementary oligonucleotide of interest, and a second oligonucleotide domain configured to hybridize with a complementary capture probe; hybridizing, in the solution, the oligonucleotides of interest with the reporter molecules that have complementary first domains; applying the solution to the surface of a microarray including an array of capture probes fixed to a microarray slide; capturing the oligonucleotides of interest on the microarray by hybridizing the second oligonucleotide domains of the reporter molecules with complementary capture probes of the microarray; and de

Abstract: An assay method for a gene fragment of interest comprising: amplify at least one gene fragment of interest comprising or potentially comprising at least one SNP region of interest to form an initial amplification product; forming at least one single strand amplification product from the initial amplification product, wherein the single strand amplification product either comprises or potentially comprises the at least one SNP region of interest; hybridize in solution the single strand amplification product with at least one reporter molecule which comprises at least two, different domains of oligonucleotide, wherein a first domain of oligonucleotide is for hybridization with the single strand amplification product, and wherein the second domain of oligonucleotide is for hybridization to at least one microarray probe surface, wherein the microarray probe surface comprises at least one capture probe to allow for hybridization; contact the solution of the hybridized single strand amplification product with the a

Abstract: Complex workpieces, particularly aeronautical parts made of solid stock presenting a bottom wall and at least one stiffening rib transverse to the bottom wall, are machined using a device having a tool head furnished with a transmission component rotatable about a relative longitudinal axis, and a tool, typically a milling cutter, connected to the transmission component and capable of piercing the transverse rib. The longitudinal axis of the tool is disposed obliquely to the longitudinal axis of the transmission component so that the stiffening rib can be pierced at a point close to the bottom wall of the workpiece. The device also incorporates a feeler mechanism associated with the tool head and designed to engage the bottom wall during the movement of the tool toward the machining location, in such a way that the position of the tool head can be actively controlled and the tool deployed at a selected distance from the bottom wall.

Abstract: Workpieces of large dimensions, typically body pressings or fuselage panels, are supported and secured for machining by a device capable of movement in a vertical direction and adaptable thus to the particular geometry of the workpiece. The vertical movement is produced by a rod of which the top end carries a head incorporating a pivotable fixture mechanism, equipped with a suction cup connected to a source of negative pressure by way of a suction duct and activated to clamp the work once the head is in position.

Abstract: A device for checking countersink dimensions comprises a measuring head (2) associated with a spindle (3) of a multi-axis process machine (4), and a processing unit operatively associated with the spindle (3) to control spindle movements, the measuring head (2) comprising a contact element (5) that can be inserted into a countersink (101) and a comparator element (7) which, by coming into contact with the countersink and withdrawing, detects the stroke of the contact element (5) inside the countersink (101). A floating member (22) automatically corrects any alignment errors between the contact element (5) and the axis of the countersink (101).

Abstract: A device for checking countersink dimensions comprises a measuring head (2) associated with a spindle (3) of a multi-axis process machine (4), and a processing unit operatively associated with the spindle (3) to control spindle movements, the measuring head (2) comprising a contact element (5) that can be inserted into a countersink (101) and a comparator element (7) which, by coming into contact with the countersink and withdrawing, detects the stroke of the contact element (5) inside the countersink (101). A floating member (22) automatically corrects any alignment errors between the contact element (5) and the axis of the countersink (101).

Abstract: A tool-holder for a milling machine is composed of a first rotating portion with a coupler attachable to a spindle drive shaft of the machine, a second rotating portion turning as one with the first portion and equipped with a chuck to hold a tool, and a mechanism designed to detect undulations on a surface being milled. The second rotating portion is capable of axial movement relative to the first rotating portion, so that when the tool-holder is traversed along a prescribed trajectory referable to a nominal surface, the undulations on the actual surface of the panel and the extent of their deviation from the nominal surface can be sensed and quantified through the agency of detection mechanism, and a corresponding axial movement induced in the second portion of the tool-holder to compensate the variation and maintain a constant milling depth, thereby improving the quality of finish-milling operations on technological materials such as panels of carbon fiber composite.

Abstract: Complex workpieces, particularly aeronautical parts made of solid stock presenting a bottom wall and at least one stiffening rib transverse to the bottom wall, are machined using a device having a tool head furnished with a transmission component rotatable about a relative longitudinal axis, and a tool, typically a milling cutter, connected to the transmission component and capable of piercing the transverse rib. The longitudinal axis of the tool is disposed obliquely to the longitudinal axis of the transmission component so that the stiffening rib can be pierced at a point close to the bottom wall of the workpiece. The device also incorporates a feeler mechanism associated with the tool head and designed to engage the bottom wall during the movement of the tool toward the machining location, in such a way that the position of the tool head can be actively controlled and the tool deployed at a selected distance from the bottom wall.

Abstract: Base compositions, methods of manufacturing base compositions and frozen food products including a base composition are described. According to one or more embodiments, a base composition for a frozen food product includes at least one insoluble fiber, at least one soluble fiber, at least one emulsifier and at least one stabilizer. In one or more aspects of the invention, methods are provided for processing the base composition with additional ingredients to provide flavor, sweetness and the like for a variety of frozen food products such as: frozen desserts; ice creams; gelato; and mousse, either confectionary, seafood-type or savory vegetable-type, with desirable organoleptic and stability properties. In one or more embodiments, base compositions and methods described herein are suitable for preparing many types of frozen food products ranging from dairy-type products to those having low-fat, low calorie, fruit flavors and the like.

Abstract: A tool-holder for a milling machine is composed of a first rotating portion with a coupler attachable to a spindle drive shaft of the machine, a second rotating portion turning as one with the first portion and equipped with a chuck to hold a tool, and a mechanism designed to detect undulations on a surface being milled. The second rotating portion is capable of axial movement relative to the first rotating portion, so that when the tool-holder is traversed along a prescribed trajectory referable to a nominal surface, the undulations on the actual surface of the panel and the extent of their deviation from the nominal surface can be sensed and quantified through the agency of the detection mechanism, and a corresponding axial movement induced in the second portion of the tool-holder to compensate the variation and maintain a constant milling depth, thereby improving the quality of finish-milling operations on technological materials such as panels of carbon fiber composite.

Abstract: A toolhead for use on a multi-axis machine tool consists of a support assembly equipped with a pivoting spindle designed to accept a removable tool-holder, and centered on a machining axis about which a tool clamped to the tool-holder can be driven in rotation. Also forming part of the toolhead is a depth stop affording an active surface substantially transverse to the machining axis and positionable against a surface of a workpiece. The depth stop is mounted to the support assembly and capable of movement along the machining axis between a first position, distanced from the spindle, and a second position of proximity to the spindle. Transducers incorporated into the toolhead are able to sense the position of the active surface relative to the support assembly, and thus used to control the depth to which the workpiece is penetrated by the tool.

Abstract: A machine tool equipped with a supporting body and at least one tool-holder spindle, rotatable about a respective axis, also has a built-in dust extraction device comprising an extractor hood located in close proximity to the spindle and presenting a suction port positionable near to a machining area, so as to extract chips and dust generated in the course of machining operations; the hood is capable of movement along a direction parallel to the axis of rotation, extended and retracted by the action of respective translating members operating in conjunction with sensors able to read the profile of a workpiece, in such a way that the suction port can be positioned to best advantage.

Abstract: Workpieces of large dimensions, typically body pressings or fuselage panels, are supported and secured for machining by a device capable of movement in a vertical direction and adaptable thus to the particular geometry of the workpiece. The vertical movement is produced by a rod of which the top end carries a head incorporating a pivotable fixture mechanism, equipped with a suction cup connected to a source of negative pressure by way of a suction duct and activated to clamp the work once the head is in position.

Abstract: A toolhead intended for a multi-axis machine tool incorporates a tool-holder rotatable about the tool axis and attached to the spindle of a spindlehead, also a stop cage element mounted slidably to the tool-holder, which is furnished with a collar presenting an active surface set transversely to the tool axis and offered to the surface of a workpiece. The stop cage element alternates between a first operating position in which the active surface of the collar is located forward of a countersink portion presented by the tool, considered in relation to the feed direction of the spindlehead as it approaches the surface of the work, and a second operating position in which the countersink portion will be located forward of the active surface, at least in part. The axial position of the stop cage element relative to the tool-holder is monitored continuously by a sensing system.

Abstract: A machine tool equipped with a supporting body and at least one tool-holder spindle, rotatable about a respective axis, also has a built-in dust extraction device comprising an extractor hood located in close proximity to the spindle and presenting a suction port positionable near to a machining area, so as to extract chips and dust generated in the course of machining operations; the hood is capable of movement along a direction parallel to the axis of rotation, extended and retracted by the action of respective translating members operating in conjunction with sensors able to read the profile of a workpiece, in such a way that the suction port can be positioned to best advantage.

Abstract: A toolhead for use on a multi-axis machine tool consists of a support assembly equipped with a pivoting spindle designed to accept a removable tool-holder, and centered on a machining axis about which a tool clamped to the tool-holder can be driven in rotation. Also forming part of the toolhead is a depth stop affording an active surface substantially transverse to the machining axis and positionable against a surface of a workpiece. The depth stop is mounted to the support assembly and capable of movement along the machining axis between a first position, distanced from the spindle, and a second position of proximity to the spindle. Transducers incorporated into the toolhead are able to sense the position of the active surface relative to the support assembly, and thus used to control the depth to which the workpiece is penetrated by the tool.

Abstract: A machine tool consists in a pair of slide ways set apart one from another and extending parallel with a longitudinal axis, a machining station between the slide ways, presenting a first zone and a second zone adjacent one to the other, and a traveling gantry set in motion along the slide ways and carrying a machining head positionable in the first and second zones. Installed alongside at least one of the slide ways and containing a supply of tools attachable to the machining head is a magazine equipped with a first changer element positioned to coincide with the first zone of the station, and a second changer element positioned to coincide with the second zone, so that whichever of the two zones the machining head happens to occupy at any given moment, the tool currently in use can be replaced with a tool from the magazine by the relative changer element with minimal loss of time.

Abstract: In a machine tool comprising a spindle mounting slide which is driven by a linear electric motor and which runs in a vertical direction in a slideway, the slide is equipped with a counterweighting device comprising an elastic element and a roller chain, the rigidity of the chain being less than the rigidity of the elastic element.

Abstract: In an automatic machine tool (1) comprising a spindle mounting slide (4) which is driven by a linear electric motor (9) in a vertical direction (V) in a slideway (8), the slide (4) is equipped with a counterweight device (13) comprising a cylinder (19) within which there slides a piston 17. The cylinder (19) and the piston (17) form a first balancing chamber (31) and a second counterbalancing chamber (32), the second counterbalancing chamber (32) being connected to a circuit (33) for feeding a fluid (34) under pressure.

Abstract: A machine tool consists in a pair of slide ways set apart one from another and extending parallel with a longitudinal axis, a machining station between the slide ways, presenting a first zone and a second zone adjacent one to the other, and a traveling gantry set in motion along the slide ways and carrying a machining head positionable in the first and second zones. Installed alongside at least one of the slide ways and containing a supply of tools attachable to the machining head is a magazine equipped with a first changer element positioned to coincide with the first zone of the station, and a second changer element positioned to coincide with the second zone, so that whichever of the two zones the machining head happens to occupy at any given moment, the tool currently in use can be replaced with a tool from the magazine by the relative changer element with minimal loss of time.