Abstract: A manufacturing method for producing ceramic item from a photocurable ceramic filled material by stereolithography. The method compensates for the anisotropic shrinkage of the item during firing to produce a dimensionally accurate item.

Abstract: A method to facilitate a transaction using an instant messaging client comprising, receiving a formatted transaction request from the client via a messaging protocol, identifying a recipient and transaction information, facilitating the transaction and sending a notification of completion of the transaction via the messaging protocol.

Abstract: An investment casting system for producing a cast article from a reactive metal that is free of an undesirable surface layer generally associated with the reaction between the molten metal and the casting mold. In one form the casting mold is substantially free of silica. A silica free ceramic crucible for heating and holding molten reactive metal is also contemplated herein.

Abstract: A method of producing botulinum toxin C-terminal receptor binding domain (HCR) is disclosed. The one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of (a) preparing E. coli transformed with an expression vector comprising DNA encoding HCR protein, (b) inducing expression of the HCR protein at a reduced temperature in a culture media, and (c) purifying the HCR protein via extraction, wherein the extraction comprises a clarification by centrifugation and a filtration, wherein the purified HCR protein is at least 10 mg/L of culture medium.

Abstract: The present invention provides a preparation of botulinum toxin light chain type A or E, wherein the preparation is both catalytically active and soluble. Preferably, the preparation consists essentially of amino acid residues 1 through 425 of the botulinum toxin light chain type A. A method of screening inhibitors is also provided, wherein the method comprises exposing a test inhibitor to the preparation of botulinum toxin light chain type A and evaluating the biological activity of the preparation. In another embodiment, a method of providing a catalytically active, soluble preparation of botulinum toxin light chain, type A is provided, wherein the method comprises obtaining an expression vector comprising a DNA sequence encoding amino acid residues 1-425 and expressing a polypeptide.

Abstract: A system for producing cast components from molten metal. One form of the present invention includes a system for the precision pouring of molten metal within a casting mold.

Abstract: A system for producing cast components from molten metal. One form of the present invention includes a system for the precision pouring of molten metal within a casting mold.

Abstract: A system for producing cast components from molten metal. One form of the present invention includes a system for the precision pouring of molten metal within a casting mold.

Abstract: An application that was not internationalized when coded may be internationalized through the addition of interception and localization logic and tables without modification of the original application logic. The interception logic may be configured to intercept calls to an application component and invoke localization logic in response to an intercepted call to the application component. The interception logic may use dynamic proxies to intercept method calls from a client component to an application component both before and after the execution of the method. The interception logic may use JAVA reflection to determine whether input parameters or return values associated with the method call are localizable. The application component logic may operate on data stored in a primary database table in which the data is represented in the system default locale.

Abstract: The invention is an improved piezoelectric noise-making and audible signaling device which produces a distinctive 2 KHz tone that is more pronounced and significantly easier to perceive, especially in a noisy environment. The volume of the audible tone is amplified by using two or three sound-amplifying chambers or cavities.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for winding tissue webs into a parent roll is disclosed which results in greater uniformity in the wound tissue roll and improved turn-up efficiency. The apparatus and method includes engaging the tissue web against a reel spool with an air permeable flexible member, such as a transfer belt, which traverses a winding region that includes an unsupported span between two support rolls. The web is transferred from the transfer belt to the parent roll as the parent roll is urged against the tissue web residing on the transfer belt at a point within the winding region. Located along at least a portion of the air permeable transfer belt within the winding region is a pressure reduction means adjacent the belt. The pressure reduction means serves to stabilize the tissue web on the belt improving sheet handling and turn-up efficiency. A sensor measures the deflection of the transfer belt during winding.

Abstract: The invention is an improved piezoelectric noise-making and audible signaling device which produces a distinctive 2 KHz tone that is more pronounced and significantly easier to perceive, especially in a noisy environment. The volume of the audible tone is amplified by using two or three sound-amplifying chambers or cavities.

Abstract: A system for producing cast components from molten metal. One form of the present invention includes a system for the precision pouring of molten metal within a casting mold.

Abstract: The invention is an improved piezoelectric noise-making and audible signaling device which produces a distinctive 2 KHz tone that is more pronounced and significantly easier to perceive, especially in a noisy environment. The volume of the audible tone is amplified by using two or three sound-amplifying chambers or cavities.

Abstract: A tractor heating system for heating the cabin of a tractor wherein the tractor is carrying a refrigerated trailer. The heating system includes a feed duct in communication with a refer cooling system and the heater of the tractor for communicating heated fluid from the refer cooling system to the heater for heating the tractor cabin. A return duct returns fluid from the tractor heater to the refer cooling system wherein heated fluid from the refer cooling system may be utilized by the tractor heating for heating the cabin of the tractor and also the tractor engine.

Abstract: Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometer apparatus and method are disclosed for analyzing the components of a complex mixture, characterized in that at least a portion of the eluted effluent from the liquid column is continuously introduced directly into the ionization chamber of a chemical ionization mass spectrometer for detection of the eluted sample components. Use is made of restricted capillary tube means for introducing the complex mixture directly into the chemical ionization ion source chamber, and diffusion pump and cryogenic pump means for obtaining the desired vacuum in the ion source chamber. The solvent is used as the agent necessary for chemical ionization, thereby making it unnecessary to remove all of the solvent before introducing the sample into the analyzer. Mass spectra is taken either on a repetitive basis, or the instrument is operable to monitor the total abundance of peaks other than those resulting from the solvent.