Abstract: The present invention features a method for solubilizing chitin in an aqueous solution by dissolving a sample containing chitin in a basic solution and autoclaving the sample. The present invention also features a method for quantifying the amount of chitin in a sample. Chitin binding proteins are used to quantify the amount of chitin using a modified ELISA assay. Results of the assay may be compared to a control containing known amounts of chitin to quantify the chitin in the sample.

Abstract: A susceptor includes a flexible substrate and a metallic material provided on at least one surface of the substrate. A first plurality of ventilation apertures are formed in the substrate and the metallic material, and the first plurality of ventilation apertures are configured to permit a fluid to pass through the substrate and the metallic material.

Abstract: Apparatus for releasing tablets from a blister pack (3) having a plurality of tablets (41) contained in corresponding blisters (40), the apparatus comprising abutment means (30), receiving means (10, 26) for receiving a blister pack with any selected one of a plurality of blisters of the pack in registry with the abutment means, either one of the abutment means (30) and the receiving means (10, 26) being moveable to cause a collapsing force to be exerted on a selecting blister thereby to release a tablet from the blister, wherein the apparatus includes biasing means (14, 20) for urging the receiving means into engagement with the blister pack, and that the receiving means is so arranged that said engagement releasably retains, and locates, the blister pack in position relative to the abutment means prior to the release of the tablet.

Abstract: A susceptor includes a flexible substrate and a metallic material provided on at least one surface of the substrate. A first plurality of ventilation apertures are formed in the substrate and the metallic material, and the first plurality of ventilation apertures are configured to permit a fluid to pass through the substrate and the metallic material.

Abstract: Apparatus for releasing tablets from a blister pack has a tray, a lid pivotally mounted on the tray and a peg slidably mounted on the lid. A base is formed integrally with side walls of the tray, a raised floor for receiving the blister pack extends across the tray and is spaced from the base to define a cavity. A partition wall extends between the side walls at one end of the floor and includes a raised portion which defines a gap between the wall and floor which enables the cavity to communicate with an end receptacle defined by the floor and a part circular end wall. The peg is movable into registry with any selected blister and the floor is provided with apertures to allow released tablets to pass through the floor into the cavity and from the cavity into the end receptacle.

Abstract: Apparatus for releasing tablets from a blister pack (34) containing a plurality of tablets, each held in a respective blister, the apparatus comprising receiving means (1) for receiving the blister pack so that the pack is moveable on the receiving means (1), and an abutment member (32) moveable into engagement with the blister in registry therewith so as to eject the tablet from that blister, wherein the apparatus includes indexing means (28, 30) for moving a blister pack (34) on the receiving means (1) to bring each of a succession of blisters in turn into registry with the abutment member (32).

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for tethering that may be used to keep a cushion properly positioned for side impact protection, particularly in vehicles with limited space rearward of the cushion. A tethering assembly provides tension to keep the cushion in place. The tethering assembly may include a tether with first and second ends attached together such that the tether forms a loop. The first and/or second ends may also be attached to a lower portion of the cushion. Upper and lower anchors may be attached to a vehicle surface near the cushion to slidably retain the tether. When the cushion inflates, the first and second ends move downward. The lower anchor may be a locking mechanism that restricts withdrawal of the first end. During deployment and impact of a vehicle occupant with the cushion, the tensioning assembly exerts tension to keep the cushion in place.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for tethering that may be used to keep a cushion properly positioned for side impact protection, particularly in vehicles with limited space rearward of the cushion. A tethering assembly provides tension to keep the cushion in place. The tethering assembly may include a tether with first and second ends attached together such that the tether forms a loop. The first and/or second ends may also be attached to a lower portion of the cushion. Upper and lower anchors may be attached to a vehicle surface near the cushion to slidably retain the tether. When the cushion inflates, the first and second ends move downward. The lower anchor may be a locking mechanism that restricts withdrawal of the first end. During deployment and impact of a vehicle occupant with the cushion, the tensioning assembly exerts tension to keep the cushion in place.

Abstract: An inflatable curtain for protecting the occupants of a vehicle during a collision is provided. The inflatable curtain may include an inflatable portion. The inflatable portion may include a plurality of inflation chambers. The inflatable curtain may also include a non-inflatable portion. The non-inflatable portion may include one or more expandable sections disposed between adjacent inflation chambers. Deployment of the inflatable curtain typically causes the inflation chambers to contract in a horizontal direction. Deployment of the inflatable curtain also causes each of the expandable sections to expand horizontally, compensating for the contraction that occurs in the inflation chambers.

Abstract: An inflatable curtain for protecting the occupants of a vehicle during a collision is provided. The inflatable curtain may include an inflatable portion. The inflatable portion may include a plurality of inflation chambers. The inflatable curtain may also include a non-inflatable portion. The non-inflatable portion may include one or more expandable sections disposed between adjacent inflation chambers. Deployment of the inflatable curtain typically causes the inflation chambers to contract in a horizontal direction. Deployment of the inflatable curtain also causes each of the expandable sections to expand horizontally, compensating for the contraction that occurs in the inflation chambers.

Abstract: A liquid feed bottle for an infant having a body made from a container portion bonded to a teat with an orifice. The body holds a liquid feed such as milk. A cap is bonded or sealed to the body and protects the teat. A cap portion is initially detachable from the body by pulling and removing a tear strip, the cap portion thus released being subsequently securable on the body by a press fit.