Abstract: A biological sample collection system can include a sample collection vessel having a sample collection chamber with an opening configured to receive a biological sample into the sample collection chamber. The biological sample collection system can additionally include a selectively movable sleeve valve configured to associate with the opening of the sample collection chamber. The biological sample collection system can additionally include a sealing cap that is configured to associate with the selectively movable sleeve valve and with the sample collection vessel. The sealing cap can include a reagent chamber having reagent(s) stored therein, and when the sealing cap is associated with the sample collection vessel, the selectively movable sleeve valve opens, dispensing the reagent(s) into the sample collection chamber.

Abstract: A biological sample collection system can include a sample collection vessel having a sample collection chamber with an opening configured to receive a biological sample into the sample collection chamber. The biological sample collection system can additionally include a selectively movable sleeve valve configured to associate with the opening of the sample collection chamber. The biological sample collection system can additionally include a sealing cap that is configured to associate with the selectively movable sleeve valve and with the sample collection vessel. The sealing cap can include a reagent chamber having reagent(s) stored therein, and when the sealing cap is associated with the sample collection vessel, the selectively movable sleeve valve opens, dispensing the reagent(s) into the sample collection chamber.

Abstract: An improved system and method for sensing the location of a tree trunk relative to an orchard harvester machine that generally includes a distance sensor, a vegetation pushing device that functions to displace vegetation, such as low-hanging tree branches, grass or other upward-growing vegetation which may obscure the sensor's detection of the tree trunk, and a controller in communication with the distance sensor, which system may be incorporated into existing tree harvesters such as those with mechanized tree shakers, and may also be incorporated into a catching frame vehicle or a nut sweeping vehicle.

Abstract: A system for sensing the location of a tree trunk relative to an orchard harvester, which includes a body, including a distance sensor mounted on the body, a boom movably connected to the body, a tree shaker head having two opposed jaws and rotatably connected to the boom and a programmable controller in communication with the distance sensor, the controller programmed to manipulate the angle at which the distance sensor measures distance as determined by a measured height at which the shaker head jaws will clamp a proximate tree.

Abstract: A system for sensing the location of a tree trunk relative to an orchard harvester, which includes a body, including a distance sensor mounted on the body, a boom movably connected to the body, a tree shaker head having two opposed jaws and rotatably connected to the boom and a programmable controller in communication with the distance sensor, the controller programmed to manipulate the angle at which the distance sensor measures distance as determined by a measured height at which the shaker head jaws will clamp a proximate tree.

Abstract: An improved system and method for sensing the location of a tree trunk relative to an orchard harvester machine that generally includes a distance sensor, a vegetation pushing device that functions to displace vegetation, such as low-hanging tree branches, grass or other upward-growing vegetation which may obscure the sensor's detection of the tree trunk, and a controller in communication with the distance sensor, which system may be incorporated into existing tree harvesters such as those with mechanized tree shakers, and may also be incorporated into a catching frame vehicle or a nut sweeping vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention provides agents for inhibiting binding of a pro-neurotrophin to a Vps10p-domain receptor, in particular the binding of a pro-NGF or a pro-BDNF to a Sortilin receptor. The invention thus provides agents for the manufacture of a medicament, for treating and/or preventing disease or disorders such as but not limited to neurological, neuropsychiatric and ocular diseases, disorders, and degeneration as well as obesity, diabetes, pain and/or nociception in an individual.

Abstract: A modular valve assembly (500) is provided. The modular valve assembly (500) comprises a first valve assembly plate (401) and a second valve assembly plate (402). One or more modular valves (200, 300) are positioned between the first valve assembly plate (401) and the second valve assembly plate (402). The first valve assembly plate (401) and the second valve assembly plate (402) are adapted to align the one or more modular valves (200, 300) in more than one configuration.

Abstract: The present invention provides agents for inhibiting binding of a pro-neurotrophin to a Vps1 Op-domain receptor, in particular the binding of a pro-NGF or a pro-BDNF to a Sortilin receptor. The invention thus provides agents for the manufacture of a medicament, for treating and/or preventing disease or disorders such as but not limited to neurological, neuropsychiatric and ocular diseases, disorders, and degeneration as well as obesity, diabetes, pain and/or nociception in an individual.

Abstract: A piston support portion (146) for a piston assembly (140) of a rodless cylinder (100) is provided according to the invention. The piston support portion (146) includes a support body (147) substantially matching a shape of the piston assembly (140) and configured to be positioned between a piston center portion (126) and a piston end portion (160). The piston support portion (146) further includes a plurality of guidance portions (152) extending from a circumference of the support body (147). The plurality of guidance portions (152) are configured to contact or nearly contact a piston bore (107) of the rodless cylinder (100) and guide the piston assembly (140) as it reciprocates in the piston bore (107).

Abstract: The present invention provides agents for inhibiting binding of a pro-neurotrophin to a Vps1 Op-domain receptor, in particular the binding of a pro-NGF or a pro-BDNF to a Sortilin receptor. The invention thus provides agents for the manufacture of a medicament, for treating and/or preventing disease or disorders such as but not limited to neurological, neuropsychiatric and ocular diseases, disorders, and degeneration as well as obesity, diabetes, pain and/or nociception in an individual.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an end cap for a rodless cylinder (101) provided with a sealing strip (110). The end cap comprises an end cap body (102, 104) and a channel (105). The end cap body (102, 104) is configured to sealingly fit to a cylinder body (101). The channel (105) is formed in the end cap body (102, 104) and adapted to receive the sealing strip (110). The end cap includes a clamping lever (15) pivotally affixed to the end cap body (102, 104), with the clamping lever (15) including a clamping surface (90) that clamps the sealing strip (110) within the channel (105) when the clamping lever (15) is moved to a substantially closed position.

Abstract: A piston portion (102) for a piston assembly (100) is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The piston portion (102) includes a substantially cylindrical head portion (103) including a mating face (105). The piston portion (102) further includes a substantially annular insert chamber (126) formed in the mating face (105) and adapted for receiving a portion of a substantially annular insert (120).